Ben's Week In Review: March 14

Crazy stormy night and the clocks go ahead, too... I almost prefer the clock going back these days.

Yes, please do bring back the RPG feel

It's bound to be a topic that rages long and burns brightly amongst the role-playing aficionados. While Final Fantasy XIII remains a fantastic game, I maintain that it simply doesn't feel like a Final Fantasy title or, for that matter, an RPG. Those who have read that review know my thoughts on the matter and I will always stand by them. I still love the game, but man, I really am looking forward to the time when Square-Enix brings back those missing elements. They keep saying they simply didn't have the time to produce high-definition towns, and this lack of time (and a lack of knowledge in regards to PS3 development) resulted in a loss of many recognizable features. However, they say that now they've worked past the initial difficulties, those towns we all miss will indeed return at some point in the future. Now, I wouldn't be so convinced of this claim if FFXIII didn't clearly show a significant drop in review scores when compared to the rest of the franchise. I think the critical average is around 8.3 or something like that, which is a good full point lower than we've come to expect.

Like I said in the review, if FFXIII didn't hold the "Final Fantasy" name, it'd be a whole different story. But the question is, are they willing to return to what some will now call the "older" style? They left turn-based behind; maybe they'll leave towns and world maps and other things behind, too. That's what I'm worried about...just gimme back FF, damnit. That's all.

You just gotta love Prince of Persia

With the possible exception of Warrior Within, this is one of the most critically acclaimed franchises of the past seven or eight years. So while we've already moved past a few of the biggest releases of 2010, I really think you should pay close attention to The Forgotten Sands. It may be different than the latest PoP but we're talking about a return to the Sands of Time style, and that remains my favorite entry in the series. That video is fantastic in my eyes; it may not represent a visual leap forward, but it's guaranteed to be highly polished and a ton of fun to play. I've often wondered why these games were never the blockbusters I expected them to be...I keep thinking it's because the game involves a combination of action/adventure elements that might throw the uninitiated. People want to stick to what they know. But the good news is, the new Prince won't have to battle FFXIII or GoWIII or something like that, so I'm hoping for a warm gamer reception.

Personal gaming update

Right now, it's all about FFXIII. I'll finish it before I start GoWIII, and that's saying something. I'm still not the biggest fan of that very automated combat system, but the story keeps getting better, and in general, the production is just amazingly refined. Anybody who appreciates design and development effort will appreciate at least some parts of FFXIII, and I also imagine it'll bring in some new fans, too. It's nothing like past installments and it manages to cater to that twitch-gamer crowd, too. In that way, I suppose we have to say it's a pretty damn good accomplishment...even though the long-time followers are going, "uh...what about us? Doesn't our loyalty count for anything?" But perhaps the best way to bypass that war is just to admit that FFXIII is indeed a great game, and that's that.

Obviously, Kratos is up next and after that, I don't think I'll be getting anything new until Red Dead Redemption and The Forgotten Sands in May. Then there appears to be a bit of a break...maybe up until Gran Turismo 5 at the end of the year. But who knows? Maybe that "massive sequel" will shed new light on the issue of upcoming releases...

3/13/2010 Ben Dutka

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Comments (122 posts)

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Highlander
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 9:40:20 PM
Reply

I'm thinking that the surprise sequel is Resistance 3. Insomniac are due for a new game later this year having dropped Ratchet and Clank last autumn, this autumn will be ripe for a Resistance sequel.

Regarding Final Fantasy XIII, Once I can properly separate it from the Final Fantasy name in my head I may try it via rental. However SE needs to put back all the elements it claims were too hard to do. Quite why turn based combat was removed is beyond me. I don't care if they have to write two separate modes for combat, turn based needs to return. It seems to me that the original point of turn based combat was to hide the fact that the hardware of game console couldn't generate great graphics in real time, so the various attack sequences were pre-rendered, and turn based combat evolved around the use of such 'set pieces' in combat. However it also more closely parallels the turn based nature of role playing games where you use dice, pencils and character sheets. Turn based brings a whole raft of strategic decision making that doesn't exist in a real time combat system. OK, so FFXIII takes things further by automating a lot of the system. Um, what's the point of building the system if you then turn around and automate it? Anyway, for the next FF game, perhaps the folks at SE could be persuaded to bring back turn based play as an option.

As for my personal gaming update. Star Ocean 4 is so unplayable on my systems that I am returning the disk to Square Enix for a replacement in the hope that the disc is faulty. SE will not recognize that there is an issue, despite gamers reporting the exact same problems in forums around the net. *sigh*

I'm working my way through WKC slowly. I'm enjoying it. I don't have as much time on the PS3 as usual right now, so I am falling behind. Of course I'm also playing a bit of Uncharted 2 online with the new maps as well...

Last edited by Highlander on 3/13/2010 9:49:15 PM

14 up, 2 down

OtisFeelgood
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 9:49:55 PM

Same here, I'm thinking it's R3.

1 up, 1 down

Kowhoho
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 10:57:13 PM

I'm really hoping it turns out to be R3. I'm terribly excited to see if I was right about what will happen after the ending of R2. :P

4 up, 1 down

totozero18
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 8:58:16 AM

R3 (with optional move support)
Off Topic: Dynasty Warriors 7 with move would be teh awesome

0 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:02:10 PM

@ TheHighlander

Really? My version of Star Ocean 4 runs fine on my slim.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:11:40 PM

@shadowscorpio

Yeah, a small number of the discs appear to be faulty somehow. For some players (and it seems to be on any system) the game locks horribly when entering battle. You can still use the PS button to quit the game, but the game itself will not go any further than showing the enemy onscreen, the party never appears. It seems that the planet ROAK is the worst offender, so there may be specific regions on the disc that are not properly formed during manufacture. Either way, it would be nice of SE to at least recognize that there is an issue common to a number of gamers instead of ignoring it.

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 8:29:35 PM

For some reason i can't imagine Square patching anything. Almost like they would have to admit they screwed up which i also can't seem them doing.

2 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 9:44:28 PM
Reply

Looking forward to the secret exclusive announcement

Please let it be Demon's Souls 2!

When it comes to FFXIII, I think I've said it too many times already. Just really wanna move away from FFXIII and see new trailers for FFXV

4 up, 4 down

eLLeJuss
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 10:12:49 PM

Why FFXV. We still waiting on versus. And also the diretor of FF is thinking of making an FFXiii-2.

6 up, 1 down

darxed
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 10:23:57 PM

I think a lot of people got annoyed with XIII because of the console wars, which I think we gamers shouldn't be too concerned with in the first place, leave that to the fanboys. I like to appreciate the games for what they are, for what the development team worked their butts off and not for the bussiness decisions the publisher(s) and the console manufactures made. You sound like a big FF fan, sooo why not at least rent it and try it out?

7 up, 1 down

Scarecrow
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 11:44:02 PM

@darxed,

I've explained this already......
There are things about this game which Ben points out in his review which lower the quality of this game.

The very fact that it feels nothing like an rpg is something I can't get over.

Then there's the character designs ( have never liked any character design in this game except for Lightning)

There's no towns

You can't switch party leaders 'till they let you run around in the Grand Pulse (60% of the game already completed...)

There was a "whole game's worth of content cut"

I will NOT reward a company for being lazy, GREEDY, and for ruining what I love 'bout rpgs. Specifically FF.

I would never be able to get past the fact that I'm playing a "ruined" FF.
---

Now, that's just me. If others love it, hey good for them :3

(Hopefully I won't have to explain this again............................)

14 up, 7 down

johnld
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:05:42 AM

@darxed
Its not about the console wars that annoy people/fans about final fantasy XIII. If you've been reading posts here and bens article, its more about final fantasy XIII is not a "final fantasy" game. as far as i'm concerned, its an amazing game but final fantasy in name only.

3 up, 2 down

MyWorstNightmar
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:28:37 AM

Scarecrow, did you buy the game?

2 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:53:03 AM

I'll rent it later in the Summer if I get bored

0 up, 0 down

SnipeySnake
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:46:49 AM

What if it had another name, made by someone else, and wasn't in the rpg genre?

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:34:38 AM

Scarecrow have you bought FFXIII yet?

2 up, 5 down

wakkaoaka
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 9:54:11 PM
Reply

http://www.gametrailers.com/game/gran-turismo-5/11148 mmmm i think we all know gt5 is going to make christmas extra merry.

1 up, 1 down

OtisFeelgood
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 9:54:37 PM
Reply

Good read. My gaming update - I'm about 35 hours into FF13. I'm trying to finish it before Tuesday or else it's taking a backseat to God of War 3.

3 up, 0 down

darxed
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 9:56:58 PM
Reply

"But perhaps the best way to bypass that war is just to admit that FFXIII is indeed a great game, and that's that"... That's the line I've been saying to anyone I know that critics FFXIII... I totally agree with what you said in your review that had the game not been called Final Fantasy It would have scored a point higher in reviews (Hell, edge would have probably gave it a 10, as long as the 360 version would have been superior, but that's another story). Even though I respect your opinion, I'm still waiting to play the game before I jump on this "great but not Final Fantasy" train everybody seem to be in.. I don't know, I remeber hearing the exact same complaint about FFVII back in the day, just because It had a futuristic setting, but to me what makes a Final Fantasy is it's story and character development, which, again to me, is what makes a good game great, and what makes a bad game at least playable, even if it's gameplay annoys you out of your mind. Now, since everyone around here seems to be liking the story so far in XIII, I think sooner or later people will como to accept it as a valuable addition to the franchise...

7 up, 0 down

chedison
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 3:52:14 PM

THANKYOU.

I also find the shining factor of FF games is the storyline, and specifically the development of the entire cast of characters. Not just the "hero" and the "princess." One of the things I love about this game is the majority of the characters hate/mildly dislike each other. But they have to learn to work together because their lives depend on it.

1 up, 0 down

Riku994
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 10:04:46 PM
Reply

I stopped reading when you dissed Warrior Within... I'm sorry, but what was so wrong with that game?it was a PoP just like any other, and I quite enjoyed my escapes from the Dahaka to the music of Godsmack. I also enjoyed kicking the Dahaka's butt with the water sword.

3 up, 3 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 11:59:11 PM

I said with the "possible exception" of Warrior Within. Some people just don't like it. :)

4 up, 4 down

NeoHumpty
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 10:12:46 PM
Reply

I'm about 20 hours into FF, and I only wish they wouldn't have called it XIII. SE has had experiments in the past, but they usually weren't part of the numeral games. They should have called it "Final Fantasy: Focus".

But, I never liked XII nearly as much as I am liking this entry...as similar as they may be.

3 up, 0 down

hellish_devil
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 10:22:01 PM
Reply

About to finish Valkyria Chronicles!!! (I'm on chapter 16 right NOW)

4 up, 0 down

Kowhoho
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 10:57:43 PM

Savor it! I had a good cry during the credits.

0 up, 0 down

johnld
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:07:26 AM

ummm.....so what the hell are you doing here? hahaha, finish the game and join all of us waiting for a proper sequel on the ps3, not the one for psp.

0 up, 0 down

Kowhoho
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:23:08 AM

I see no reason not to support the PSP version. It looks to be a shining addition to the platform. I know I'm getting it, eventually!

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 5:21:27 AM

Way to go, Kowhoho! The PSP need more support, not less. It's still an awsome handheld.

1 up, 1 down

chedison
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 3:45:40 PM

is that game worth buying?

0 up, 0 down

Kowhoho
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 6:11:34 PM

Hell to the yeah, Cheddy!

0 up, 0 down

hellish_devil
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 6:53:15 PM

I'd pay 100$ for it. It's amazing, right guys?

Last edited by hellish_devil on 3/14/2010 6:55:11 PM

1 up, 0 down

chedison
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 11:10:51 PM

Honestly wasn't even on my radar until i read the comment haha. One of the games that came out before I got my ps3. Guess I'll just have to check it out then!

0 up, 0 down

Milonakis
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 10:44:51 PM
Reply

Playing me some more heavy rain and then GOW III.

13 up, 3 down

Milonakis
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:55:06 AM

howd i get a thumbs down for this?

12 up, 1 down

frylock25
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:30:55 AM

well im not sure why you would have gotten a thumbs down for that. maybe they were afraid of manbearpig. maybe al gore thumbed you down. or maybe they were just a d-bag xbot.

12 up, 1 down

spiderboi
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 @ 4:14:07 AM

Cheers on Heavy Rain. Such a fine gripping storyline. No other gave me such a hold other than MGS and Uncharted 2.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 10:46:48 PM
Reply

At least the battle system beats that automated pile of poop from XII.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 3/13/2010 10:47:02 PM

7 up, 8 down

darxed
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 11:14:43 PM

Actually the gambit system grew on me, what never grew on me was the convoluted/cliched pile of poop the story was... and every character besides Balthier and Ashe... especially Vaan... gotta hate the Vaan... The characters annoyed me so much I ended up rooting for Vayne most of the game, still sad to this day he didn't won... I mean, what's so bad about humanity dictating it's own fate? go Vayne free us all!

Last edited by darxed on 3/13/2010 11:15:20 PM

5 up, 2 down

Scarecrow
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:03:42 AM

So you don't like Dragon Age I take it?

And I disagree with darxed. FFXII had one of the most mature stories in FF since VI.

Finally not something about a princess/important female and a blonde guy. It was more about war, propaganda, and each character's predicament pinning them against one goal.

I think Gameinformer's review of FFXII really does it justice. Ironically IGN's review of it is my fave (really great review). That was before IGN turned into crap.

3 up, 4 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:41:19 AM

You're crazy World. FFXII allowed you to control what EVERYONE did. FXIII only let's you control one character while simply choosing a VERY broad action scheme for the rest of your party.

5 up, 2 down

Ultimadream
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 8:29:08 AM

Hmmmm from what i remember from XII was'nt Ashe a princess....

FFXIII's gameplay isnt much different from XII later on in the game. You can switch your party members how you see fit, in XII you only controlled 1 member at a time at least with XIII you can change what your team strategy during battle.

2 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 10:34:09 AM

FFXIII's battle system offers less control over what your party does than FFXII's. In XII I can not only choose to make someone a medic but chose EXACTLY what I want them to do and when to do it. With XIII all I can do is make them a medic.

Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 3/14/2010 10:34:40 AM

4 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:20:30 PM

Loved dragon age, it worked for that, not for FF. While yo COULD control what everyone did in XII, there was no need to. Just set it and forget was the name of the game. The only reason one would intercede in the autobattle was to cure people who weren't doing it fast enough themselves.

The ability to run around during the battle means nothing as you still get hit no matter the distance you run.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 3/14/2010 1:22:59 PM

3 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:40:52 PM

World what I'm getting at is in XII you have the ability to determine exactly what your party does before/during battle, you have absolute choice in what your party does depending on a rather deep selection of variables.

In XIII the only choice you're given is determining what style of play your party will do.

I'll take the complex decision making in XII over the quick pacing, L1/X gameplay in XIII.

Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 3/14/2010 1:42:33 PM

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 2:27:07 PM

I understand LV, and totally agree, I was merely replying to the other's comments.

0 up, 0 down

darxed
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 5:13:53 PM

@ Scarecrow
Well Ashe was a princess/important female character (I think she was the only important character from you party anyway) and two of the guys were blonde, right? and I don't think the story was that bad, it was just unfinished, it promised a lot for like half of the game and then it just stopped. My main issue with XII was the characters as I said before, Hadn't it been for Balthier I don't think I would have finished the game...

2 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 5:53:54 PM

FFXII also gave you the option to turn off the Gambits at anytime allowing you even more manual control over your party.

FFXIII's battle system has potential to be a great system, but the restrictions are holding it back. Big time. Whats the point of each character having their own summons when you can only use the party leader's once in each battle? It's stupid that they at least won't allow us to change party leaders in the middle of a battle. Even XII allowed for that.

Last edited by Jawknee on 3/14/2010 5:56:41 PM

1 up, 0 down

Shams
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 11:11:08 PM
Reply

Man, Ben, if Arnold's copy of GOWIII is in your possession as we speak, and knowing how much you like GOW and you haven't played it, yet, then FF13 must really be THAT good. But really, you haven't taken even a peek, yet?

Last edited by Shams on 3/13/2010 11:13:33 PM

0 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 11:59:38 PM

Arnold has GoWIII; I don't.

2 up, 1 down

WolfCrimson
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:18:54 AM

D'you know what's bothering me the most? That I can be like Arnold right now and get GoW3 (they don't respect street release dates where I live, which is good), but I don't have any money. I went to the local videogame store and held GoW3 IN MY HANDS, but I couldn't buy it. So close, yet so far.

3 up, 1 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 3:33:24 AM

@wolfcrimson

And uh, where do you live? I think I need to move there right away.

4 up, 0 down

www
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 3:57:38 AM

Yea Wolfcrimson, we're all moving to your town, like it or not, its an invasion.

4 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:38:41 AM

Hope you're not gay www.

Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 3/14/2010 7:38:58 AM

5 up, 2 down

www
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:12:57 PM

Nope but I know you are.... my friend ;)

Last edited by www on 3/14/2010 12:13:39 PM

1 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:57:56 PM

I wish

3 up, 0 down

WolfCrimson
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:04:19 PM

town? lol dude, I live on another continent

0 up, 1 down

frylock25
Saturday, March 13, 2010 @ 11:30:38 PM
Reply

i have been playin the hell out of bioshock 2 all day long. trying to take my time and not rush. took out a big sister today without getting killed. bioshock 2 is very impressive.

my gf is hooked on zombie apocalypse. i game shared it with a buddy and when she saw how to play it she didnt want to stop. we did the first level of 7 days of hell mode and wow that was no joke.

i think when i get through bioshock 2 i will get back on mag. its been a while since i have been on there.

i really want to play god of war 3 and heavy rain. my gf keeps bugging me to get heavy rain i may end up getting it this week.

damn i just now realized it was daylight savings time. i hate this crap. i bought one of those clocks that sets itself and i bought it before they changed the dates of daylight savings. so now my clock changes on the wrong days of the year. thanks george bush.

Last edited by frylock25 on 3/13/2010 11:34:54 PM

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:00:05 AM

If it weren't for Heavy Rain, Bioshock 2 would be my favorite game of the year so far.

But I'm not done with FFXIII yet and I have yet to play GoWIII, so...

1 up, 0 down

frylock25
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:11:21 AM

i got the collectors edition of bioshock 2. i love this game so much. i loved the first one on my ps3. i have yet to harvest a little sister in either game. i have saved everyone so far.

Ben did you go through either of them multiple times?

how about heavy rain? how many playthroughs for that? i cant wait to play that game.

0 up, 0 down

inkme101
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:13:04 AM

ben: is there a chance youll be doing a dual review on gow 3 like you are doing with ff13? dont get me wrong, arnold had a great review but id like to see your take on it. i hold your reviews and opinions on games very high.

4 up, 2 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:48:55 PM

frylock: No, I've only gone through the Bioshocks once. Great games but I just didn't have the time for more playthroughs. As for Heavy Rain, I'm on my fourth.

Doc: No, I won't be doing a review for GoWIII. Thanks for the nod, though.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 8:30:52 PM

Goodness, try it on Survivor next time Ben. The Big Daddy's are crazy hard.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:27:35 AM
Reply

what was wrong with Pop Warrior Within?
i loved every single game out of that series, if theres one that i did not like as much as the others its the cell shaded PoP of 2008.
but i still liked it, just to simple and kiddy for me, i prefer my sword fighting games dark and gritty.

im trying to get into yakuza 3 this week but it is boring the FU**! out of me.
honestly this game should be called babysitters 3.
people complained about the teediness of heavy rain, but never mentioned it in yakuza 3.
at least in heavy rain it serves a purpose and is only for the first 20 minutes of the game or so.

honestly the whole game is go find this person, go find that person, go get some milk for the dog, go get a rubber ball for the dog, go find kumi or whatever hes name is because he went to the movies alone sad.
jesus fu**ing christ!
i thought yakuza were suppose to be tough guys, roaming the streets collecting protection money.
not running a fu***ng day care center!
yakyza 3 = the worst, most boring game i have ever played in my 20+ years of playing games.
the only part of the game i actually enjoyed is the part where you have to find the boss daughter, and you end up roaming through a rival familys hideout going through floors beating the crap out of everyone.

0 up, 10 down

Kowhoho
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:30:19 AM

More pessimism. How refreshing.

8 up, 2 down

Naztycuts
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:30:25 AM

@_______ You shouldn't get upset when someone says "With the possible exception of Warrior Within" that "possible" is there to avoid argument and fan rage I'm sure. Also when did you start liking video games enough to defend them? Reading your opinions on games they're 90% negative, look for the good in games and you might have an enjoyable time eventually.

5 up, 1 down

frylock25
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:33:11 AM

i think of no name as our resident oscar the grouch. living in his garbage can mad at the world that every game sucks and costs so damn much money.

8 up, 1 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 3:36:45 AM

He also provides plenty of spoilers for people that don't want to hear them. Way to go Mr. Blank.

4 up, 1 down

___________
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:18:17 AM

ahhhh how was i getting upset, i just asked a simple question.
jesus christ thank god no ones cowboys here otherwise we would have allot of missing toes.
i cant say anything without getting my head bitten off can i?

0 up, 6 down

FlyingKickPunch
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 11:00:12 AM

i guess it's just that some people grow tired of your negativity.

6 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 11:19:38 AM

Or maybe the fact that he never backs up his negative views with valid reasons.

Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 3/14/2010 11:19:49 AM

11 up, 1 down

rogers71
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 11:53:49 AM

@LV,

You hit the nail on the head with that statement.

6 up, 1 down

OtisFeelgood
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:50:49 AM
Reply

I just saw the Kevin Butler God of War commercial on Adult Swim. It was pretty funny.

8 up, 0 down

sunspider13
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:21:04 PM

Yeah

"Thanks for coming."

Had ginger ale come out of my nose, funniest Kevin Butler ad by far.

2 up, 0 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 3:40:00 AM
Reply

@Ben

Are you going to be reviewing Just Cause 2?
I'm pretty interested in that game and I'd love a full review on it.

As far as my gaming goes, WKC is keeping me busy, especially with the new quests. However I have to get my guild rank up a little higher to play some quests. So I guess I'm off to do that.

0 up, 0 down

frylock25
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 4:17:09 AM

is that deadpool? hard to see it.

just cause 2 is a bad ass game. i really want to see what the full game is like. my gf cant understand why i keep playing the demo over and over. "didnt you already play this?" she just doesnt get it.

after i got the timer glitch to work and flew around the whole map it was like damn i cant wait to see what this game will turn into. on some level it feels it might disappoint. i hope not

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:26:19 PM

Yes that is deadpool, he's holding a sai in each hand with his arms crossed.

I feel the same way about just cause 2. The demo seems fantastic but I'm afraid the story/quests maybe to simple and repetitive after a short time. It's a common flaw of this type of game which is sad, because the environment of this game type gives so many

0 up, 0 down

chedison
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 3:55:11 PM

It already seems the story (or at least the characters) will be pretty much a joke. What I'm worried about are the controls, like on the vehicles. Don't seem that intuitive. And in the demo there wasn't any direction to speak of for what you were actually supposed to do.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:50:02 PM

Yeah, we'll review Just Cause 2.

2 up, 0 down

kraygen
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 11:58:30 PM

WOOT! Thanks Ben, glad to hear it.

Also I thought of another question, do you think the pre-order dlc bonus' will be available at a later date?

If so, I'm willing to wait till the price goes down and I can buy the edition that has all the dlc already. I get really sick of buying games only to have to buy the rest of the game a couple of weeks later.

0 up, 0 down

www
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 4:08:43 AM
Reply

If PoP is going to return to Sands of Time style, then I'm in cause this next-gen PoP is the worst PoP ever seen. I think PoP was supposed to be what Assassins Creed is, dunno why Ubisoft switched things.

Let's just face it people! If getting all those towns in high definition was already difficult to do on PS3, SE knew in advance this was a multiplat and even with this linearity, it made it on 3 DVDs, its clear they woulda needed 6-10 DVDs if they had to give it their all, and that will be a bad look for the MS console, period.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 6:17:11 PM

I have a feeling the dumbed down the battle system for the Bots as well. Lord knows they can't stop and think about their strategy for 5 seconds without getting the urge to mash down on the buttons like they do in shooters.

3 up, 1 down

www
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 8:40:31 PM

LOL @ the Bots

0 up, 0 down

FullmetalX10
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 4:22:33 AM
Reply

I might be playing FFXIII(ima borrow it from ma friend, who's still busy with it) a month or so after God of War.
I will definitely go see The Forgotten Sands movie, not sure if I can buy the game though, low on cash and Heavy Rain is first in line after God of War, maybe if I finally get a job.

0 up, 1 down

natho86
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 5:03:59 AM
Reply

Hey Ben will you be getting Splinter Cell: Conviction. I really loved the past games so why is it not coming to the ps3!

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 5:13:20 AM

This game supports coop play so I'll definately get it! There's no fun as fun as those you can share with others ;)

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:56:38 PM

Because Ubisoft hates Sony.

Who cares, Ubisoft's games are painfully flawed and buggy. AC2 was the only one i was able to finish...barely.

0 up, 3 down

Beamboom
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 5:12:33 AM
Reply

Ben writes, "if FFXIII didn't hold the "Final Fantasy" name, it'd be a whole different story" - but would it really? Is there a comparable game with an average rating of 90+ that can back this claim? To me this game sounds like a typical action jrpg, and those have never gotten good reviews in the western medias...

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 5:55:14 PM

This coming from that guy who thinks Uncharted 2 isn't a good game.

You sir, have poor taste.

2 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Monday, March 15, 2010 @ 8:48:48 PM

That may very well be, sir. At least I represent a minority in that respect, I realize that.
However I do not own FF XIII and my comment were not a personal opinion but more a statement of facts. Action jrpgs are not typically highly rated by western reviewers. That is simply an observation. And based on that I ask, would this game really get a higher rating were it not labelled "Final Fantasy"?

0 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 6:26:10 AM
Reply

i know am late to the party but let me tell u all one thing I am not buying God of War 3 this week *shakes fist at my health insureince bill that just came in the mail*(750.00 down the drain)
any way great post Ben i love reading u week-in reviews

'b.d'
*if u don't like me u can BITE ME!*

0 up, 0 down

JackC8
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:05:22 AM
Reply

I mostly played Final Fantasy XII this week. Just plugged the PS2 into my HDTV and holy crap - it's like an entirely different game! Anyhow, I'm very near the end after about 90 hours.

0 up, 0 down

Dante399
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:24:05 AM

yeah i remember FFXII, but i can't remember fighting any final bosses coz once i got into the final fight, my mobile rang and i left the game playing by its own and then "opps" minutes later i won!!!!
I highly suggest this to SE: If you're going to make more of these battle systems, you are just better off making graphic movies instead.

Last edited by Dante399 on 3/14/2010 7:27:16 AM

5 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 8:33:46 AM
Reply

I've been on Final Fantasy XIII pretty much since tuesday 35 hours in. The game is just so fun to play. I'm suprised with the negative feedback overall, To me it's certainly worthy of the name Final Fantasy. It's probaly been the best gaming experience i have had this gen and i thought nothing wouild beat Heavy Rain.

I hear people critising the battle system an how automated it is, just becuase you can't move you character around manually like 12 doesnt make it automated. I find myself constantly on my toes frequently switching paradigms each battle.

9 up, 2 down

FlyingKickPunch
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 11:07:30 AM

agreed, ultima. the paradigm system works wonderfully. the pace of battle is so fast, having to micro-manage each of your party members would be damn near impossible. your teammate AI is more than capable, too. i never once have cursed them for doing something i didnt want them to. the story is great, and lightning is the best lead character since cloud. maybe that's because she basically IS cloud, more or less. :)
overall, a great game

4 up, 1 down

darxed
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 5:40:59 PM

Great... I remember you were kinda on the fence about the game, and seeing your comments assured me I was right in wanting this game so much... thumbs up!

4 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:51:33 PM

Ultima: No, what makes it automated is that your strategy is done for you. Once you know the weaknesses of a foe, you only need to hit Auto-Battle; you don't even need to KNOW what the weaknesses are or even READ the skills the system chose.

I still love it, but these are the facts.

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:58:54 PM

Yes, after casting Libra i find myself hitting Up, X for auto battle. Quite lame indeed. Maybe they figured this would allow Xboxers an easy play since their used to playing newb online shooters like Modern Warfare which require no skill. Simply a "pick up n' play".

As I've said before. Were have a special needs kid in the class and we must all learn as his/her pace. ;)

@Ultimadream, I couldn't care less about moving the characters around, its the fact that im at the mercy of the AI, the fact you can't change the party leader in the middle of a fight, the fact you can only summon one Eidolons every 10 fights or so, the fact that when the party leader dies its game over is what the problems are. I've never had this many game overs in any Final Fantasy. It's not that the game is harder, the battle system is unbalanced and restricting. Why does it make sense that we have to revive fallen party members but they can't revive the leader? It's frustratingly stupid that Square did it this way.

As i said in my other posts, the battle system has potential. Seems Square should have loosened up on the Auto-Battle bs. Its almost like this game is turning out to be one giant battle simulator with some pretty cut scenes and a decent story.

Last edited by Jawknee on 3/14/2010 8:13:45 PM

2 up, 2 down

Jawknee
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 9:52:02 PM

Goodness, speaking of Dead Party Leader=Game Over, I've been stuck on this damned boss for over an hour! I have the Game Over screen memorized like the back of my hand now.

0 up, 0 down

chedison
Monday, March 15, 2010 @ 1:42:59 AM

Jawknee, how does the battle system in the game have anything to do with being on xbox? I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that was already decided and figured out years before they even thought to bring it to the 360.

Tired of hearing all this bs about xbox being the reason for any negative aspect of this game.

1 up, 0 down

TEG3SH
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 9:24:14 AM
Reply

Thank god they decided to return to the sands of time gameplay, warrior sucked ass. I wont get it though, POP died for me when they chose that douche Gyllenhaal for the movie.

0 up, 1 down

Qubex
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 9:29:37 AM
Reply

Ben, I am also looking forward to Red Dead Redemption... Been playing the heck out of Battlefield Bad Company 2...

Q!

" play . experience . enjoy "

0 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 9:32:28 AM
Reply

Never played PoP but hey, if it's treated with respect from everyone I guess I wouldn't mind looking for the previous installments.

1 up, 0 down

Victor321
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 9:54:10 AM
Reply

Finish Dragon Age: Origins this week; amazing game, I'm glad several sites made it RPG of the year, it deserves that title!

I'll also be picking up XIII and Heavy Rain today, and if I end up not liking XIII, VersXIII will still be the next FF I'll buy; if I end up not liking VersXIII but I like XIII, I'll still give FF a chance, but I'll be more cautious; if I end up not liking both, then VersXIII will be the last FF I'll buy.

I have a lot of patience and resilience to things like this, but it's gotta end sometime right?

Sides, I do have the feeling that VersXIII and XIII will be enjoyable when I play them :) (not a newcomer btw, have played several previous FFs, VII and X for ex.).

0 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 11:47:37 AM

The Return to Ostagar DLC is short but sweet..

Plus, it's only 5 bucks.

0 up, 0 down

tlpn99
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 11:47:13 AM
Reply

I just couldnt get into any of the POP games so I'll be giving the next one a miss. I didnt like the one with the girl in Elika was it ? I got it and didnt like it so it went back.

Cant wait for Kratos though. :)

Last edited by tlpn99 on 3/14/2010 11:47:44 AM

2 up, 0 down

BeezleDrop
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:36:05 PM
Reply

I am more or less excited about the new PoP, as it is returning to its "roots" I'm a bit more excited to see how it plays out. I really did enjoy the latest PoP but some aspects of the game I really did not like. And as a matter of fact, I thoroughly enjoyed Warrior Within.

I really cannot decide what to buy first, FFXIII or GoW3. Any suggestions people? I need to save so not both! 1 game a week keeps my lady off of my back.

0 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 12:51:58 PM

Hmmmm. If you get 1 game a week, what did you decide to purchase last week instead of FFXIII??

0 up, 0 down

FlyingKickPunch
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:02:58 PM

yakuza 3? resident evil 5 gold?

1 up, 0 down

OtisFeelgood
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:46:22 PM

GoW3

4 up, 0 down

sunspider13
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 1:38:25 PM
Reply

One of my friends has about 25 hours on FFXIII, and he's liking it to a point. I've watched him play for a few hours while visiting him and I made the decision that I'll play it eventually. Too much stuff coming out that I want to play. Maybe 2010 should be called 'The Year of Too Many F#@&ing Games'.

As for me work is taking up a lot of my time as of late, so not too much time for gaming. However my boss had a birthday a couple of weeks ago and we had a office party with prizes. I managed to win a copy of Bayonetta. I found the combo system rather deep which suprised the hell out of me. The cheese factor is off the charts, and the jpop has me ready to kill somebody, but I do think it's a solid game. It's only downfall is that it's a port. Oh well maybe next time.

Started a new game on inFAMOUS to get that last trophy and playing Borderlands with friends when I have the time. Now I'm counting the hours until GOWIII is delivered to me. I haven't decided if I'm going to take a few personal days so I can play without time constraints. And I'll finally be getting Heavy Rain this week or next, so I can't wait for that experience.

I'm off now.

Last edited by sunspider13 on 3/14/2010 1:39:37 PM

0 up, 0 down

TEG3SH
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 2:54:55 PM
Reply

@LV

I dont think anyone got ur comment.lol

U Sir, are an evil genius . I shall bow before thou

Last edited by TEG3SH on 3/14/2010 2:58:48 PM

0 up, 0 down

BeezleDrop
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 3:12:58 PM
Reply

I FINALLY found a job, so I am starting this Friday for 1 game a week thing. I was thinking GoW3, FFXII, Yakuza 3, Heavy Rain, Sigma 2, and so on. Definitely will not be buying anything RE5, I was very much unimpressed with that game. Bring back the T-Virus zombies! Not the modern Rabies style ones.

4 up, 0 down

chedison
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 3:56:05 PM

1 game a week, you will run out of games to buy haha. But I've somewhat gotten into this habit myself. I bought Heavy Rain two weeks ago, Battlefield Bad Company 2 last week, and FF13 this week. I'm constantly looking for more awesome ps3 titles to buy ><

Last edited by chedison on 3/14/2010 3:57:13 PM

0 up, 0 down

Shams
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 6:52:37 PM

Congrats on the job, dude. Oh, and btw, Sigma 2 rocks. Although it's got nothing on GOW3 in terms of production values, story, and level design (i.e the Titans), it has the best fight mechanics in the genre, no doubt.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 6:03:40 PM
Reply

FFXIII, Yet another Sony exclusive gone multiplat that's not received well by long time fans. Just like GTA IV, Tekken 6, etc.

I am enjoying FFXIII to an extent, and i do agree its a good game but its lacking. The lack of options and freedom in the battle system is it's biggest drawback in my opinion. Its a great system and has great potential but the fact that i have virtually no control over how my party fights is really hurting it for me. I think I would gladly trade this new battle system for Gambits any day. The Game Over's when the party leader dies in painfully frustrating as well. I feel like at some points in the battle all im doing in healing for like 10 turns. If one of my AI characters has Raise, why can't they revive the leader? Whats the point of making it game over if the leader dies? I have a feeling this type of system is the direct result if "twitch gaming" influencing Square to go this route.

I want Final Fantasy back!

The story is great, the characters i love, especially Sazh and Vanille. The production value is top notch, but it's just not grabbing me like other Final Fantasy's.

That said, I'll probably spend plenty of time on this game regardless of the flawed battle system. Which i think illustrates what Ben is saying. Its a great game, and most of us will get many, many hours of play out of it. But its just not the Final Fantasy we have come to know and love.

Last edited by Jawknee on 3/14/2010 6:11:04 PM

5 up, 0 down

FlyingKickPunch
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 6:24:29 PM

aw come on jawk, gta 4 was awesome :)

0 up, 1 down

OtisFeelgood
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 7:31:59 PM

Totally agree with you, Jawknee.

1 up, 0 down

www
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 8:42:29 PM

Well said Jawk, hope I take it as it is.

0 up, 0 down

BeezleDrop
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 8:43:34 PM
Reply

Thanks guys! I really think Final Fantasy Versus XIII is going to deliver, with the staff working on it and it will be an Exclusive I do not think we have to worry about it. From the tiny bits and pieces of info I have seen about it I think it will be nothing short of spectacular. So everyone, including Jawknee, will be able to get their hopes up again with the Franchise.

@Shams,

I have been stoked to play Sigma 2 for months now, I played the Demo like 10 or so times. I am sooo impressed with the game, and I do believe Team Ninja cutting out some of the violence with blue mist instead of blood really works. The game is fast, furious, and tons of fun. Cannot wait to get it.

0 up, 0 down

Mr Bitey
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 9:39:27 PM
Reply

OK. I finally had a chance to sit down and enjoy FF XIII this weekend. I'm over 12 hours or so into it.

The way I see it, they shifted focus from individual actions,to tactically switching roles to defeat opponents. So instead of focusing on which specific move to use, you now are using the different roles to defeat the opponents.

It's different, but it works surprisingly well. It's still one of the more strategic JRPGs this gen.

In addition, the cast is one of the best in the franchise. The story (so far) is also really enjoyable.

I'm really happy with it. :)

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 9:47:53 PM

Just wait till you get to a difficult boss fight. You'll want to throw you Duel Shock at the TV because you'll see that Game Over screen 150 times.

Stupid, party leader dead=game over.

1 up, 0 down

Mr Bitey
Monday, March 15, 2010 @ 9:59:57 AM

Ha. That's exactly what happened when I fought Odin. It took me about 5 times to finally figure out the best combos to use.

After I finally did it though, it seemed pretty easy.

0 up, 0 down

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