Ben's Week In Review: August 29
VanquishApologies for not getting this up a little sooner - I know y'all are used to it going up around 10:30 or so - but I was out.
Okay, so there's a lot going on with Vanquish...
Not only is it in the news a lot, but the very structure and style - that whole "Gears of War on crack" description seems to fit - really looks over-the-top bad-ass. Shinji Mikami is one of the industry's best and I suppose we have to forgive Platinum Games for their Bayonetta PS3 transgression. After all, they evidently used Sony's machine as the lead dev platform for Vanquish. So some of you may be assuming the PS3 version will be superior, but Platinum has just recently said they can't tell the difference between the two versions. Now, I see it this way: they didn't want to make the mistake of making one version better than the other (it's really unfair to the other half), and perhaps the reason they started with the PS3 this time is because it's easier to tackle the more difficult platform first...that makes sense, right? I mean, I could be wrong, but I just like to think the designers are taking the correct route.
I really hope the game turns out to be as much fun as it looks. I am a fan of Gears, even if it's not my favorite series in the world, and the speed and constant immersion via rapid-fire insanity could prove to be awesome. Guess it's just another of those wait-and-see situations. By the way, in addition to our upcoming Q&As with Insomniac and Tecmo, we may also try to set something up with Platinum.
Striving for perfection is always admirable
There's a damn good reason why guys like Hideo Kojima and Kazunori Yamauchi are so well respected, and are so well known for producing masterpieces in our industry: it's because they're perfectionists. In any walk of life, that trait is admirable (and in all honesty, we don't have anywhere near enough people who sport that trait). This is why I'm awfully encouraged to hear the Bioshock creators say they were really unhappy with the way their game came out. They were pretty harsh, in fact. Obviously, the best part is the contrast; the fact that most all critics and gamers were nothing but appreciative and heaped praise upon the award-winning game. And yet, the guys who made it were like, "bah, we could've done better." Now, their mindset is, "we could've done better and we will do better with Bioshock Infinite." This is why I'm telling you that game will be unbelievable and you'll be missing out if you don't play it.
Yup, I'll go out on that limb. Why? I know the first two titles were fantastic and better yet - the kicker - I know Irrational's philosophy. That's enough for me.
Personal gaming update
I've completed Alan Wake and I'm plenty happy with it. Certainly a more "cerebral game" than most others and although it isn't anything like Heavy Rain in terms of gameplay, I still believe the same type of gamers would appreciate Remedy's great psychological thriller. I know the game sold badly, but it seems as if the devs wanted to stick with it and make a sequel, and I really hope they do...if they do, though, as I believe Microsoft owns the IP, it'll never come to the PS3. I'm not saying Alan Wake or the addition of a sequel would make owning a 360 worthwhile (if that's all you wanted for it), but if you're already a 360 owner, I say you gotta try. I never went back to Super Mario Galaxy 2 and I just can't; I don't want to get into it, but I just can't put it on the upper tier of current gaming. Sorry.
You should see a Shank review late Monday, and you should also see a Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions review towards the end of the week. After that is Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2 and personally, I will buy Halo: Reach. I've played and completed ever Halo and I'll play this one, too...but fair warning, Microsoft: if you don't give me something new this time around, I'm done with the series. The good news is that it seems a lot of Reach really should feel fresh. We'll see.
8/28/2010 Ben Dutka
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Comments (85 posts)
ZettaiSeigi
Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 11:23:55 PM
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 11:31:02 PM
Besides, it ain't an FPS so that right there eliminates about 95% of those twitchers. ;)
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LegendaryWolfeh
Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 11:35:04 PM
And ah I see, I should have realized myself Microsoft wouldn't let Halo die, do you know which team is taking up on it? I certainly hope they can live up to the legacy that Bungie made for it.
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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 11:51:31 PM
3 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 11:55:27 PM
As for the future of Halo, I honestly have no idea.
1 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:01:53 AM
Peace.
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Qubex
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 5:32:48 AM
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
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Pandacastro
Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 11:18:57 PM
Reply
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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 11:21:13 PM
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BikerSaint
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:49:50 AM
What World just said, plus....you're helping researchers in their hunt for cures for all the different cancer's, & Alzheimer's too.
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/09/17/start-your-%E2%80%9Clife-with-playstation%E2%80%9D/
(complete with more video info there too)
Last edited by BikerSaint on 8/29/2010 12:53:18 AM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 11:20:09 PM
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Um, er, yeah I'm gonna hafta agree with Infinite. I'm just playing Bioshock now and it's pretty good, in fact it surprises me it isn't a Bethesda game.
Vanquish I will pass on. Currently playin Bioshock, GOWIII again, Silent Hill PS1 classic, and Suikoden V. Oh yeah and if I don't use my birthday coupon code from EA soon to preorder Dragon Age II it'll expire and I won't get that discount. Think I'll do that tonight.
I worked out too hard this week, muscles hurt soooo bad. I'm just gonna sit in my chair and play games. Maybe have a drink...
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Victor321
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:15:15 AM
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-attended my cousin's wedding, was great!
-completed my 3rd playthrough of Dragon Age: Origins, then Awakening the expansion pack for that same Warden character; Golems of Amgarrak is next for him =)
-am looking forward to Sept.7...Witch Hunt DLC+Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC here I come...not to mention first day of my last high school year...
-am currently playing Mass Effect 1 again, a third time =) Sorry, the big news of ME2 coming to us PS fans just made me want to start the series all over again! So, ME2 and its 19 DLCs, here I come, after my Vincent Shepherd completes ME1 ^.^
-just learned minutes ago that, from Kazunori Yamauchi via his Twittter account, has stated that GT5 will only need 256 MB of the PS3's (by now, I hope massive for most of you =P) HDD. However, for anyone who wants a "smoother play experience", there is an optional install available, which takes up 10GB of HDD space. If anyone says it's old news, that's because the article was made 16 hours ago and I found out now lol
-will be going down to Windsor, Canada with my family to see more family and relatives. It's usually boring, so thank god there's a 52-inch Plasma HDTV (1080i, good enough) in their house, and thank god again that I'm allowed to use my PS3 or 360, whichever one I want to bring (I don't want to bring both...that's a lot of expensive luggage...). I'll be bringing my PS3 just so you know ;)
-had a blast with my brothers on Motorstorm: Pacific Rift; 109 total lifetime hours (and counting) well spent, along with CoD:WaW and Halo 3 thrown into the mix ^__^
Vanguish sounds really interesting Ben, I will be checking out the demo on the PS Store. Also, H.A.W.X. 2 sounds cool, heard the 1st was so-so though.
Last edited by Victor321 on 8/29/2010 12:17:17 AM
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Snaaaake
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:24:33 AM
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Victor321
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 10:24:12 AM
And of course, a "smooth play experience". It's not like the game's going to perform worse if you don't do the install (10GB is a lot to ask for an installation, as most games like MGS4 and Heavy Rain go for the 4-7GB mark).
For simplicity's sake, the game will probably run great without the install (5+ years of development with doses of perfectionism should do the trick no?) but it will run even better, or as you said "polished to perfection", with the install.
I hope I cleared it up =)
Last edited by Victor321 on 8/29/2010 10:25:07 AM
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Dridion
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 4:17:29 PM
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Victor321
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 5:10:25 PM
The install is 100% optional. You don't have to do it. Whereas games like MGS4, Heavy Rain, Resident Evil 5, etc. required a mandatory install once you boot up the game, GT5's is optional.
I repeat. Optional. ^.^
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Lawless SXE
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:21:14 AM
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Vanquish looks like a whole lot of off-the-wall insanity. I honestly love the idea behind it, but I'm a bit worried about how the execution will turn out. But, I'm definitely going to watch as many trailers of it as I can find when I go to see my sister in a couple of weeks to get a proper gauge of it. Besides, I've always wanted to play the Gears franchise, so perhaps this will give me enough of an idea of how that feels. Even so, I can't imagine this will be an immediate purchase for me. Maybe next year when things slow down again.
Those comments by the team members of Irrational Games are really encouraging for anyone interested in Bioshock Infinite. It really does go to show that there are still people dedicated to offering quality to the masses. If the game isn't one of the best of 2012 I will be very surprised.
Personal Update:
Okay, I finished Love in the Time of Cholera on Monday, fantastic story, and have since started on Anna Karenina. Loving it so far because unlike most novels that I've read/movies that I've seen/games that I've played, the characters actually feel like real people in their mannerisms. It's clear that Tolstoy has put a lot of effort into doing that and it is something that I really appreciate.
I finally did finish the chapter I've been promising to since I started commenting here. I did that on Thursday and have now started on another one. All I can say is I'm glad it's over.
I'm on the last chapter of Final Fantasy XIII, and really looking forward to seeing the culmination of the almost sixty hours I've put into it. I've done the first draft of my review for it, so when I've finished it I'll go back over checking that I still agree with everything that I've written and then I'll post it up. Also, I've sort of gone a little bit back into GTPSP in order to get me ready for GT5. I'm mainly focussing on increasing the number of cars in my garage and getting back to the level where I can actually not come two laps behind third place using professional driving physics.
Outside of all that, I've got to get back into working out... again. Every time I start I get distracted by something and it becomes difficult for me to get back into it...
I think that's about all.
Peace.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:54:45 AM
I'm about halfway through War and Peace now. Brilliant, of course. And if you like Anna Karenina, I'm almost certain you'll like War and Peace.
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Lawless SXE
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 5:49:45 AM
Peace.
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Snaaaake
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:42:07 AM
Reply
Personal gaming update:
Over 150 hours now in Disgaea 3, and to those who played Disgaea 3, is there any tips to get the ticket to Land of Carnage?
I'm already at level 80 with one of my legendary weapon but I still can't find the room with the ticket.
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FlyingKickPunch
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 11:39:43 PM
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Ultimate_Balla
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:48:22 AM
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BikerSaint
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 1:21:11 AM
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But....if there's a demo, I will DL it just to make sure.
Some of the upcoming games I'm really anticipating the most right now are...
Bulletstorm
Brink
Deus Ex
M.O.H.
Spec Ops:The Line
Last Guardian
(BTW,there is certainly more, but I'm just way too "Demon Dog" tired to think rationally right now)
As for my own gaming update, I've been trying to plow through some of the backlog in my collections, so I'm now playing....
PS3: "Alone in the Dark: Inferno"
PS2: "Beyond Good & Evil"
360:"FarCry Predator"/"FarCry Instincts"
And for my Xbox, I'll probably pop in "Ice Age 2", just 4 the widdle kid in me.
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Temjin001
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 1:21:47 AM
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I look forward to Halo: Reach, I'm hoping it'll be the best in the franchise when considering that this is Bungie's last effort before they say good-bye. Hopefully, the game transcends the epitome: "Save the best for last."
CVG has run a feature on Halo: Reach this last week with closing comments that are somewhat reassuring, yet, somewhat suspicious.
"This is shaping up to be the best shooter we've ever played."
-- Rob Taylor
With a market loaded with so many different dialects of shooters, to make a broad sweeping claim of this sort leaves me suspect. Is it possible to make such a great shooter in one-year's time?--okay, I got to stay optimistic, I got to stay optimistic =p
I wrapped up FF13 this week. It was a great game, and I look forward to future installments (not the online FF's)
Allowing the good reputation of Assassin's Creed 2 to influence my decision to go ahead and play it, I can honestly say that I'm glad I took heed.
The game is great, and remarkable in more ways than one.
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Snaaaake
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 4:35:23 AM
Look at Zipper, MAG this year, SOCOM 4 next year.
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BikerSaint
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 1:39:27 AM
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Although I prefered it for the PS3, the store I got it from only had one copy, the 360 version.
But since it was only $12.99 and in mint condition, I just had to snatch it.
Soooo, I'll also have to sample that one sometime this week too.
Last edited by BikerSaint on 8/29/2010 1:40:22 AM
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Temjin001
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 1:52:31 AM
Though, I read the 360 version, despite it's technical advantages, has a unique cartoony-like character rendering effect that doesn't quite fit the vibe of GTA which led some to preference the PS3 edition.
Personally, frame-rate and res is typically my preference.
Yeah, some random tech-head crap that I thought you'd might like to know =)
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Scarecrow
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 1:57:22 AM
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Other than that, just amazed at Square-Enix...
What went wrong? What happened to you Square?
I actually believed FFXIV was going to be a solid MMORPG...
Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One looks so freaking fun!
Last edited by Scarecrow on 8/29/2010 2:01:06 AM
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BikerSaint
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 10:17:35 PM
Thanks for the info, always good to know.
But since it's a multiplat, I also need it for my PS3 collection too, just got to wait it out till it's at good price-point for me. And that way then I can concentrate on getting the "Gay Tony & the Lost & Damned for my PS3.
Anyways, as a biker & the President of a MC,I want to see how close R* comes in trying to do a motorcycle club.
BTW, I own over 85 biker movies dating all the way back to the 1960's & almost all of them have been bullshite. Along with all the TV shows I've ever seen on them too.
The only show I ever saw that come the closest was the 4 disc DVD box set I now own, from the 2-season(2002-2003) Canadian TV Mini-series called "The Last Chapter".
Great series!!!!
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Temjin001
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 10:51:38 PM
Well, maybe it was just Naomi based arcade units that offered that ride.. I can't remember.
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sunspider13
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 2:05:08 AM
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I went out and pre-oordered Vanquish and C:LoS. Vanquish looks to be too much fun to pass up. I feel that the sense of speed will add to the experience. And the bad voice acting is a draw as well, lol.
As for C:LoS, I'm going to take a chance. I mean Kojima, Piccard, and walking coffins, what's not to like?
PGU
At chapter 4 in MGS4, also playing UC2 to get the treasures that I missed and doing some multiplayer. Also messing around with Fallout3 again, getting all those trophies is just too tempting. And playing R2 as well. Can't wait for R3 to come out. Happy gaming people.
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Lawless SXE
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 2:39:45 AM
Peace.
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Highlander
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 2:50:41 AM
According to GameStop's most recent financial report, new game sales account for 36.9% of it's sales revenue, and used game sales account for 31.4% of it's sales revenue. Used games are also their most profitable revenue stream.
31.4% of total $$ revenue was used game sales.
Remember that used games are always cheaper than new, and a lot of used games are considerably cheaper than 'new'. So for Used games sales revenue to be nearly the same as the revenue from *new* games, Gamestop has to be selling at least as many used games as new, and probably more. Gamestop doesn't publish numbers, and probably never will - it wouldn't look so good if they sold more copies of some high profile titles used than new would it?
Regardless of how anyone thinks about the concept of buying used games or saving money, if you simply look at the data, you can see why games publishers are getting annoyed and trying to do something.
I'm not saying what should, or should not, be done. I'm simply illustrating that there is a problem, and what the scale of that problem is.
Last edited by Highlander on 8/29/2010 2:51:44 AM
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GuernicaReborn
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 1:15:19 PM
On paper, their profit margin for used games should be through the roof, at least compared to new games.
My problem with all this is that game companies aren't exactly struggling. There is a used market for everything. You think warner bros gets a share of each used DVD that gets sold? Or Alpine gets a cut of each used deck sold on ebay? Cars, computers, furniture, game consoles... Developers just need to deal with it, IMO.
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NoSmokingBandit
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 5:40:29 PM
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Highlander
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 6:12:38 PM
No, that's not their profits that is their sales revenue. In other words every dollar that went through their cash register. Yes, they are extremely profitable. In fact they make more $$ and % in profit on used games than new, but the figures given are the sales revenue for new and used games.
@bandit,
There are none so blind as those who refuse to see. If you can't see why publishers and developers would have a problem with this, then you simply aren't willing to look.
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NoSmokingBandit
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 9:06:06 PM
Imo, you are the one not willing to see that every other industry in the world functions just fine with 2nd hand sales, and video games should not be the execption to the rule. So what if Gamestop found a way to make a dollar on it? Don't buy from them, but dont act like me buying a copy of Sly 2 at a yard sale (which i just recently did. $2, good deal!) is going to destroy Sucker Punch. Its ridiculous that you think this one industry is somehow sovereign and can avoid the pitfalls of big business.
Video gaming used to be a niche market, but now they are playing with the same budgets as any other mainstream media, so its time they start acting like it.
Last edited by NoSmokingBandit on 8/29/2010 9:09:24 PM
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sunspider13
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 7:42:19 AM
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Underdog15
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 10:55:18 AM
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BikerSaint
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 10:21:14 PM
Nahh,
Although I also collect biker movies, books, 1000's of die-cast H-D & radical custom bikes, and any other memorabilia too, I'm sorry to say don't have any H-D in my gaming collection, except for a hand-held game made by Radica that you wear as a glove and has a hand grip to throttle, brake, and steer, plus some buttons for other functions.
The 8-bit graphics suck, but the innovative glove & throttle set-up for a hand-held was a very cool idea.
Here's a picture of it:
http://www.ioffer.com/i/45688051
BTW, If I ever get the money(and some space for it) I'd like to get Sega's old pinball sized "H-D L.A. Riders Deluxe" arcade game where it has a bike you actually mount & move your body left & right to steer it.
Here, it's the 2nd H-D arcade machine down the list at this site
http://www.bmigaming.com/games-videositdownrefurb-waitlist-hh.htm
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Highlander
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 2:55:58 AM
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Gaming has been sporadic lately. I'm playing a bit of Burnout Legends on the PSP, and the PS3 has Uncharted 2 in it right now.
I just can't seem to finish Star Ocean 4 yet, and my replay of WKC has stalled out as well. Sometimes I really hate the summer blues. It's been a long, and very hot and humid one here, and that never leaves you wanting to play video games. Hopefully September will bring cooler weather and a return to gaming.
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tes37
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 7:31:03 AM
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Dridion
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 4:19:53 PM
Last edited by Dridion on 8/29/2010 4:21:08 PM
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Highlander
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 6:15:13 PM
Oh, one additional personal gaming update. I recently got the time and inclination to start up FFVIII on my PSP.
All I can say is WOW. This game just absolutely rules on the PSP. I remember playing it on my original PlayStation back in the day, but I'd forgotten how good it looks. Even played on the PS3 it's not terrible. This is a perfect example of what could be done by developers who were trying. It could easily pass as a PSP game of today. The pre-rendered video is awesome.
Last edited by Highlander on 8/29/2010 6:17:57 PM
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Dridion
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 6:42:17 PM
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Highlander
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 6:50:08 PM
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RobiinzZ
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 4:34:14 AM
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PGU: Still playing gta4, hope to finally complete it for the first time by the end of this week, have around 65-70% now.
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Shams
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 4:44:31 AM
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Today, I'm gonna pick up a copy of VC. Also gonna get back to LBP, and get as much out of it before LBP2 is released (D1P). I'm itching for an adrenaline-rush, so will most likely get back to Wipeout and Pacific Rift. Perhaps some NGS2. Might just pick up a copy of inFamous again.
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Temjin001
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 5:17:17 PM
It's interesting how games compel people in different ways. That is, people find values in games that may not be identified the same way by another. It's those elements that are less tangible and aren't as easily recognized by the general gamer. A game like Uncharted 2 will nail every key performance indicator in a critics book. What's not to like? So much about the game can be valued. But other games, games that I recognize as "diamonds in the rough." Are the jewels that lie beneath some of those generalized contrivances that don't really hinder what's valued most, the actual gameplay. Sure, Demon's Souls isn't going to win awards for graphics, and probably not story, or it's bizarre difficulty balance, but there's something else lurking beneath the non-senstational. The sort of game that offers the meat-lovers a level of character specialization that is a gourmet feast like none other.
As someone who loves games like Tekken and Ninja Gaiden, who is sensitive to gameplay components that wouldn't be as easily seen by the non-hardcore crowd. Concerning NGS2, do other's really understand the UT system? As in being able to initialize them near instantly? Did they learn the techniques behind understanding how to make dismemberment happen to their advantage by intentionally setting an enemy up for a obliteration technique? Even a single arrow shot can dismember an enemy if timed correctly. It's those kind of elements that a player doesn't have to learn to experience the presentation of the game, because the game doesn't go out of it's way to really teach you it, but it's there for those who care. I eat this stuff up for breakfast. It's what compels me. The process of learning.
BTW: I've started NG:S2 again to regain everything I lost from when my first PS3 died. I hope to become a Master Ninja, like yourself.
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Deleted User
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 6:21:27 AM
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I can't wait for Vanquish i am a Gears fan so i wanna see what the hype is all about.
as for my gaming update i have been playing Madden & NCAA Football 11 since they both came out and Uncharted 2 online i tryed UFC Undisputed 10 online but the servers were dead there was no one there so if u have not got it yet don't waste your money there is nothing.
what i will be playing this week
besides Madden & NCAA I will also playing God of War Collection, Ratchet & Clank Future: ACIT, Red Dead Redemption and Bioshock.
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Alienange
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:50:22 PM
Oh, and welcome to the real world of gaming.
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FullmetalX10
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 6:27:08 AM
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Anyway, can't wait for Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep.
Also, I'm currently caught up in PS1 classics, since I bought Crash Bandicoot 1 and 2, Spyro the Dragon and Final Fantasy VII, which I'll all play for sometime before returning to Demon's Souls.
Currently very excited for what the Tokyo Game Show will bring us, also, I might get Move if I get hyped enough about it, but probably not until sorcery comes out.
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PAKINIPS
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 6:43:00 AM
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So I know where your coming from and it's great to see someone else as enthusiastic about it but I don't get the love for the second game. It seemed lacking to me.
It was like the difference between cod4 and mw2. The first was a new thing for the franchise and then the second copied it but ruined it by adding more guns and killstreaks and it became over the top.
Last edited by PAKINIPS on 8/29/2010 6:44:32 AM
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JackC8
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 6:48:24 AM
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I've pretty well finished up Red Dead Redemption (at least I don't think there are any more story missions left). I did just about all the side quests and accumulated most of the other little trophies I was interested in. Think I spent around 45 hours with it. I really liked living in that world with all the gorgeous scenery, beautiful sunrises, thunderstorms, the great characters and the multitude of things to do. 9/10 definitely.
I'll probably stick Dark Void in tonight and see what I think of that. Or maybe I should jump right into the Elder Scrolls.
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Deleted User
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 7:06:30 AM
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Hezzron
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 9:44:01 AM
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Alienange
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:49:19 PM
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GuernicaReborn
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:49:49 PM
I got stuck trying to drive a car to a base. it was hard as hell. I probably tried about 25 times, got pissed, september rolled around and I got another game.
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Lucifer
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 3:20:42 PM
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frylock25
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 9:48:42 AM
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"After reading the landmark sociology tome, students will play through 'Portal' as an interactive illustration of the struggle over perception at the heart of 'Presentation.' Using a video game to augment the interpretation of a traditional text seems like an ideal way to ease both students and educators into the act of "reading" video games."
sounds like good homework to me :)
Last edited by frylock25 on 8/29/2010 9:49:27 AM
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GuernicaReborn
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:55:12 PM
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sonic1899
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 11:00:15 AM
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Last edited by sonic1899 on 8/29/2010 11:01:11 AM
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GuernicaReborn
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:47:02 PM
I mean, now that its been done, will it be any easier to do the same to future updates? I read a little bit about this, but I still have some questions. If Sony does issue an update, and people don't d/l it so they can use the PSJailbreak, then they can't go online, right? I just don't want cheater running rampant in my online games. Thats all I'm really worried about.
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Highlander
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 6:20:59 PM
As for that device, It's a cloned service key, and the software uses parts of a leaked SDK. Either way, it's illegal and Sony will go after those responsible in the courts, they'll detect and block any silly enough to use it and they'll simply disable that type of service key in the firmware.
@Guernica,
You're correct, they can't go online with it. In the near future, if they try going online even after using it offline, Sony will be able to detect it, and block their console.
I don't think it will be easier to break future updates as this isn't a software hack. Someone leaked a Sony service key and it was cloned by a factory in China. Sony will change the service key and modify the firmware not to respond to the existing one. People trying to repeat this feat will have to obtain a new key, and Sony will be even more careful with the new ones.
Last edited by Highlander on 8/29/2010 6:24:28 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 7:15:47 PM
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Highlander
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 2:51:08 AM
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BikerSaint
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 9:47:20 PM
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Sony Computer Entertainment Australia was recently granted a temporary injunction blocking the importation and sales of new PS3 modchips. They will have until August 31 to convince Australian Federal Court that the devices are in fact illegal.
Distributors of the modchips will have to give their stock to Sony until the August 31 deadline.
The issue is somewhat dicey in Australia, since their Supreme Court ruled that modchips were legal in the country, though Nintendo banned R4 carts.
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Highlander
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 @ 10:28:58 AM
If Sony can show that the only way to access service mode and run the game backups requires either a copy of the hardware in a Sony service key, or copyrighted code from their SDK that was not properly licensed for distribution, these mod chips are dead in the water. As far as I understand the law in Australia, it's legal to try to circumvent the security of the software/hardware on a console and sell your resulting mod-chip. But, that assumes that you use your mad skillz to come up with something that doesn't use anything that breaks patent or copyright laws. So no copying official service keys or using unlicensed SDK code.
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Alienange
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 12:48:18 PM
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Platinum Games is no Rockstar. I'll wait for the reviews to see what critics think and if deserving, I'll wait for that inevitable price drop to pick it up for the collection.
By the way, a hilarious SMG2 dis if I've ever read one.
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Deadman
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 3:17:49 PM
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It's pretty sweet and adds over an hour to the end of the story. I think there was a voucher to get it for free in the game case.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 7:14:30 PM
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Kr3sn1k
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 3:28:52 PM
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Dridion
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 4:41:37 PM
Last edited by Dridion on 8/29/2010 4:42:31 PM
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Dridion
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 4:37:38 PM
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Aside from that, I started playing borderlands which I bought from steam when it was going for 10$. So far I'm 20 hours in and it's pretty fun. Sometimes I feel like the environments and enemies are too similar but when I do find some variation between the two, it totally blows my happiness out the water. But that's few and far in between. Still, can't complain when the price was right. Any suggestions on what game to try next? Preferably on the PS3 platform.
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chedison
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 5:24:24 PM
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But on the gaming end, I found someone selling a wireless controller and Resistance 2 for 40 bucks for all :). I jumped on that, seeing as thats usually how much a controller is by itself. I've been meaning to get R2 for a while, so thought I'd get it. Well... I ended up picking up R:FoM too from Gamestop since I couldn't just play the second one haha.
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Dridion
Sunday, August 29, 2010 @ 7:05:26 PM
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Last edited by Dridion on 8/29/2010 7:05:43 PM
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MadPowerBomber
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 3:22:30 AM
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http://round1fightblog.blogspot.com/
My non-gaming week saw me hitting the 20k word mark on my first novel, and dealing with a migraine for three days. YAY.
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whooka
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 8:16:07 AM
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Sony's PS3: The Industry Gift That Keeps On Taking?
Hot on the heels of an injuction against ozmodchips.com and their USB dongle hack for the PS3 console, an industry insider
has obtained word from a 'reputable source at Sony' that plans for their forthcoming 4.0.0 firmware update to the console will
include disabling the USB ports for good. The source stressed that Sony is not doing this to combat the possibility they may have no tangible, legal claims to have the dongle removed from the market (and ozmodchips.com has indicated their device is already
in the process of being manufactured by other companies), but to keep current PS3 console users safe from the horrific security breaches something like this could bring with it.
'With the ability to run homebrew code on the PS3, a user could install an unauthorized application on the console which then allows them to 'hack' the PSN once connected, potentially exposing our PSN member's accounts as well as credit card information that was entered for all the DLC they bought but don't technically own. Something like this could then spread across the Internet, infecting Wall Street computers if a savvy day-trader brought a PSP device that had picked up the malicious code, causing a global-economic meltdown and general apolcalyptic conditions. Famine, pestilence, the whole magilla', the Sony source was quoted a saying.
As to the obvious question as how console owners will recharge their controllers, copy media files to the unit, etc, the source indicates Sony already has a quick-fix in the works which should satisfy any users who may be disgruntled over the fact Sony just wants to keep them safe from harm.
'Sony has already submitted patent plans for a stand-alone, usb charger device, much like the ones that were used in earlier carnations of the Rock Band game as a USB hub for systems which only had two USB ports. The charger will be very affordable and will come in a sleek, black model as well as a white model to match the rare white consoles that were produced last year. Copying media can easily be done via the user's home, wireless LAN, which studies show 80% of our tech-savvy demographic have as otherwise they would not be able to access the free PSN network'.
While we all value our security while online, one has to wonder between this and the removal of the Other O/S feature earlier this year (which ironically many claim was to prevent piracy but the USB dongle will work properly with the later, 'lobotomizing' firmware), how many more features will Sony remove from the device that supposedly 'does everything'.????
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Underdog15
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 10:56:03 AM
Dude, do you even read other people's comments before posting huge rants? Most of what you said was already talked about by Highlander a little higher up a little more accurately.
Last edited by Underdog15 on 8/30/2010 10:57:56 AM
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Highlander
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 12:11:29 PM
Note the hyperbole "Something like this could then spread across the Internet, infecting Wall Street computers if a savvy day-trader brought a PSP device that had picked up the malicious code, causing a global-economic meltdown and general apolcalyptic conditions."
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SirLoin of Beef
Monday, August 30, 2010 @ 10:48:37 AM
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@Ben, I, too, would love to see an Alan Wake sequel. I didn't realize that it sold poorly, though. 'Tis a shame so many 360 owners are missing out on a pretty cool game.
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LegendaryWolfeh
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Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 11:10:37 PM
Also wow, didn't think y'all do a Shank review, that'd be cool, I really want to know how great the co-op portion is, cause me and a friend wanted to try it, but we didn't know if it was worth the $ for it, since others said it was short/lacking.
And thirdly, I find it interesting that you like the whole speed and insanity of Vanquish when we're always talking about how the whole action/speed/explosions thing is what's killing our gaming experiences with twitch gamers, hmm, but i guess it's more of we just hate seeing our specific genres (rpg, strat. etc.) getting messed up because of those reasons.