Ben's Week In Review: December 19

It's tough to imagine that Christmas is less than a week away. But hey, time flies.

FFXIII-2? I can go with that...I guess

When I saw what Nomura sent to Square-Enix Ultimate members, I started thinking: is this something I would want? Well, I first thought about Final Fantasy X-2, which I very much enjoyed, despite the fact that it obviously wasn't as amazing as FFX. Then I compared the two situations. FFXIII didn't turn out the way many of us had hoped, so if a sequel took another step backwards...well, that'd just be another nail in Square-Enix's coffin, in my eyes. But if they incorporate some of the feedback they've received from fans, and they take the risk of making it a traditional RPG, it actually might end up being the FFXIII we all wanted in the first place. I think it's possible. I still believe those guys have what it takes.

Besides, I think it's critical to have a solid cast of characters for a sequel to fly, and although FFXIII didn't have my favorite FF cast, it was still a highlight, IMO. Lightning was a cold bitch for the first half (and that was just boring), but I liked her a lot more after about the 25 hour mark. I think all the characters got better with time, and that includes Vanille, who I found insufferable at first. Hey, maybe they could take that solid cast and put them in a game that focuses on Gran Pulse and expands on that foundation. Then, we get a mechanic that actually feels like an RPG mechanic... Can't I hope?

Take-Two isn't a one-trick pony anymore

GTA is one of my all-time favorite franchises, but I think it's really cool that Take-Two Interactive is spreading its wings. Along with Rockstar, they've produced plenty of quality titles that most gamers appreciate. But if they don't release a GTA installment, they almost always post a loss in their fiscal year, which was always a little depressing. One always thought that Take-Two was on the cusp of disaster; all they needed to fall was one surprisingly lackluster GTA entry... But that probably won't ever happen and on top of which, they've got other great stuff. The GTA-in-the-west, Red Dead Redemption, is a nod to the future for the company. Granted, it's a lot like GTA but don't forget about NBA 2K11 and the upcoming L.A. Noire, which looks utterly fantastic.

Take-Two seems to fly under the radar more often than not. Gamers are usually too busy bashing on Activision and Square-Enix to say they actually like a certain publisher, but we should probably appreciate what Take-Two has done in the past decade or so.

Personal gaming update

Assassin's Creed; Brotherhood is done. Well, basically done. The game has been beaten and every last possible Memory is at 100%. So I have full 100% Memory Sync, 100% Rome renovation, all the treasures, and the Romulus treasure. Even the optional stuff is all at 100%. I just have to pick up the last few Borgia flags I left hanging in a few Romulus Lairs, and get two more recruits up to full Assassin rank, and then I'm officially done. The question is whether or not I dive into Gran Turismo 5 or Fable III...tough decision. Both will take me forever so I'm thinking I'll just have to play both at the same time, which I usually hate to do. And believe it or not, we're only a month away from LittleBigPlanet 2, and five weeks away from Dead Space 2. Pretty nuts, huh?

Also, I'm going to start to work on something that could greatly expand PSXE. I can't really talk much about it right now, and there's no guarantee of anything, but at least the option is there. I'll need at least a few weeks to dive into it but it could be worthwhile, and it should serve to usher in many more users without alienating long-time readers. The latter matters most to us, by the way. And any new people will have to accept that. :)

12/18/2010 Ben Dutka

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Comments (96 posts)

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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 9:55:26 PM
Reply

Since Nomura told us not to forget Lightning, that has nothing to do with an FFXIII-2. Because it was him, that means she will be in Kingdom Hearts 3.

I thought Take Two was a developer and Rockstar was the publisher of the GTA and RDR games? Whatever the case, what Bondi is doing with Noire looks amazing.

I am finishing up a second play on Bioshock 2, kicking ass and taking names on the massively under-appreciated Splatterhouse. And I just started Resonance of Fate, but I don't know if I'll keep that game up because while it has style and panache, it is just plain set up really weird. That flashy battle system can be fun but it's really unbalanced and screwy. Which is too bad cuz that game has promise.

On Xmas I get to enjoy Enslaved, Castlevania, and a little mayhem in Dead Rising 2.

I hope your new idea for PSXE is that we can comment on new videos, or that you will allow certain people with enough post points to submit potential editorials for posting on the front page. :)

1 up, 1 down

Highlander
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 10:34:19 PM

Or allow us to convert our points to prizes....after all, as anyone from the UK knows...

What do points mean?

Points mean prizes!

...sorry, obscure cultural references are on my mind today....

3 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:16:52 PM

I know nothing about the UK except that they invented the language I speak and nobody there seems to be able to speak it.

3 up, 1 down

Cavan1
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 3:18:30 AM

Highlander, I know exactly what your on about, +1 for the bruceie reference lol.

1 up, 0 down

Gordo
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 4:44:59 AM

The Generation Game...

Since we are on obscure cultural references from the UK:

We all like a bit of Bully...

Nothing for two in a bed!

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 4:55:33 AM

LOL! Super! Smashing! Great....!

BullsEye and Jim Bowen....

Alright....

It's nice to see you....

And on that bombshell, we'll end....as it's in the wee hours and I've not slept yet.

TTFN.

1 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 10:05:32 PM
Reply

Hey Ben, sounds like you've got something good cooking.

BTW, can we have a sticky thread somewhere on the site here(like maybe either on the left or right side of the main threads) just so we can quickly report on any great sales & 1 day deals whenever we come across them???.

I know we already have it in the forums, but not everyone goes there and I usually don't have the extra time to post there much.

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 10:40:02 PM

I like the idea of a 'red hot daily deals' kind of ticker. That would be awesome. Not to mention, someone like Amazon might pay to have a permanent hot deals sticky that shows the current PlayStation related deals...

3 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:25:37 PM

I'll check into that if people want it.

5 up, 0 down

frylock25
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:53:09 PM

i want it

4 up, 0 down

GuernicaReborn
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 10:54:21 AM

That sounds cool. Make it user-submitted so you don't have to scour the internet every day for video game deals, we'll help you guys out.

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 10:31:31 PM
Reply

Without alienating existing users....I like the sound of that.

PSX definitely deserves expansion and growth. I guess new readers/commenters will have a learning curve if they participate...LOL!

PGU

Gran Turismo 5. Loving this game still. I updated my user review here at PSX to include anything since the first impression was written. One thing that has become clear in the last week is that Polyphony has some work to do to polish certain features both in the online and offline game. The major ones being the leaderboards and other support for the GT Academy, and in the off-line side of things, they really need to fix the fully custom transmission so that it is actually fully custom. The buttons and options are already in the game, the help text and manual describe how to use the feature, but it's disabled. That must change. However other than that, it's a great game and a dream to drive.

Played a bit more Valkyria Chronicles 2 on the PSP, and some Class of Heroes. Class of Heroes is definitely an old skool dungeon crawler with severely turn based combat and dated graphics. Even so, it has something to it that keeps you playing. It's like an old toy that you pick up oocasionally, play with for a while and then throw back in the trunk. Class of Heroes does feature some of the more annoying dungeon designes though. But it's a niche genre game, and I'm sure there are people who really love it...

I gave up on testing the DC MMO that Plus users got access to this month. I'd love to try it, but the 15GB download is not going to happen on my crappy DSL, so I'm locked out for now.

I've got the itch to go back to Atelier Rorona again this week, and Uncharted too, But GT5 will not be far from my PS3. So many good games, and so many more to come. LBP2 is coming soon....

2 up, 1 down

tes37
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:26:31 PM

I was hoping the transmission would be fully functional the more you level up, but if that's not the case then this would be the first thing I would want changed.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:37:09 PM

I know, right? I thought the same thing, but Daus mentioned in a thread the other day that it was not, and after some quick searching and reading I found what he was talking about. Apparently because of some User Interface issue PD couldn't have both the Fully customizable transmission where you set every ratio yourself, and at the same time the fully customizable transmission for dummies where you just set the top speed. Personally, I find that an incredibly weak excuse, and the fact that they elected to go with the transmission for dummies is a regrettable decision. It's been in GT games forever that you could tinker with the gear ratios to make the best use of the power bands for the race/track style. Not any more it seems.

Apparently Kaz Yamauchi has said in a twitter response that this was the reason and fixing it was not impossible, but difficult. Personally I can't see why they couldn't just have two custom transmissions. One for n00bs and one for experts. But hey, perhaps that's why I'm writing comments and not releasing games.

Last edited by Highlander on 12/18/2010 11:39:19 PM

3 up, 0 down

tes37
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:51:16 PM

I don't get the hand holding that's going on with some games this gen. Nobody cared if you had any knowledge of proper gear ratios in the past. It kind of kills some of the fun. I liked being able to do it wrong, it's more of a challenge that way.

If I remember correctly, there was a separate slider in past transmission menus that adjusted all the ratios together or you could choose them separately. His answer doesn't sit well as to the real reason why it was handled differently this time.

Last edited by tes37 on 12/19/2010 12:02:13 AM

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:05:34 AM

Yeah, there was a slider for the final drive ratio that has the effect of adjusting the ratio of the entire transmission proportionately.

I think the hand holding is yet another concession to casual gamers. And to be honest it's that pandering to casual gamers that kills some games for me. I just hope that the pandering stops soon, before it really hurts the industry.

Last edited by Highlander on 12/19/2010 12:06:25 AM

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 5:14:50 AM

What I don't get is in the transmission help section it says "just try adjusting the top speed AT FIRST." implying they will allow you to play with each gear later. Some on the interwebs seem to think it was a mistake and that Polyphony will patch it later. I cerntainly hope so.

1 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 10:38:42 PM
Reply

@BEN Wow, we gotta be the only two who enjoyed X-2, which, TO ME! Was a great game. Maybe because I'm into linear games. X-2 is, gulp, the Fantasy I played most =)

But I have a few questions though. I already see your XIII-2 review being deducted for Square's lack of satisfying you with a "traditional RPG." I'm with you, I would love a turn-based RPG in full, glorious HD. This gen, I only enjoyed Enchanted Arms & Eternal Sonata, As close as RPG get. I wanna say to you is to lower your expectations. Every Final Fantasy is an experience. My question: Will you still have fun? Traditional, non-linear, or linear? What if Square's next project takes away even more elements that we love dear to our RPG? Lower your need for an "old-school" esque Fantasy. And stop knocking on Square. They have put no nail in there coffin.

Last edited by n/a on 12/18/2010 10:45:37 PM

0 up, 6 down

Highlander
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 10:59:34 PM

So, you're saying that if a company doesn't produce a product that we want, a product like their best products from the past, that we should give that company a free pass and not complain? If people stand by and say nothing, things do not change. Customer complaint and opinion is a vital feedback mechanism available to any service organization. It allows them to know whether they are getting it right or wrong - assuming that they bother to use the knowledge.

5 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:26:23 PM

I will give it what I consider to be an appropriate score, as I do with all my reviews.

That's all I can say.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 12/18/2010 11:26:32 PM

4 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:33:17 PM

X-2 was pretty damn good if you can get past the girly jpop, but it is NOT a linear game. You fly where you want and do the missions you want. It really is the time they finally tweaked the ATB to perfection and it's been downhill since there.

Listen, Log, if you enjoyed FFXIII (and many of us did) then great. Ben never marked it down in his review for being unorthodox. But if you think personal opinions on Square this gen are off base then you are basically all alone in that and I wish you luck with it. As Kratos would say "That is a heavy burden, I cannot help you."

4 up, 1 down

AnonWTF
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 3:05:11 PM

What do you people have against jpop?

0 up, 0 down

sirbob6
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 10:50:06 PM
Reply

PGU

In an effort to prepare for next year I have recently replayed all games that are related to a game releasing in 2011.

So I been busy replaying KZ 1 & 2, Uncharted 1 & 2, SOTC, Resistance 1 & 2, Dragon Age: Origins, Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, SSX, Twisted Metal Black, Ace Combat 04, Duke Nuke'm 3D, Ghost Recon, inFamous, Dead Space, LBP, Two Worlds, Dues Ex, Portal, Batman: AA, Diablo 1 & 2, Max Payne, Ratchet & Clank (all), Motor Storm, and Hitman.

So I am pretty busy for now.

Last edited by sirbob6 on 12/18/2010 10:51:02 PM

4 up, 0 down

DazeOfWar
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:27:45 PM

Damn sirbob, you gonna have anytime for anything else?

I also got the urge to replay games with sequels coming out. I'm waiting on Uncharted 1 & 2 to show up from Goozex. After hearing about part 3 I just had to replay them. I picked up Dead Space again since it's one of my favorite games, part 2 is coming next month, and I never played it on my PS3 yet just the 360.

Last isn't Resistance 3 slated for 2012?

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:33:52 PM

No, Daze, it's September of next year. PS3 owners are going to have a phenomenal one.

0 up, 0 down

sirbob6
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 1:44:43 AM

@ Daze
I have a bit more time than I have recently mainly due to the fact that work is dying down and it is the off season for most of my hobbies.
There is no better way to spend a snowy day than enjoying the games you love next to a warm fire.

2 up, 0 down

DazeOfWar
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 3:35:23 AM

@Lawless:Thanks. Maybe I just got to excited with the new video and didn't pay attention to the release date. Didn't they mention it on the VGAs?

@sirbob:Ya I'll be getting some gaming in too the week after Christmas. My job gave everybody the week off with pay.

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:27:24 PM
Reply

I should probably clarify that when I talk about the expansion, I'm not talking about updating the site.

It something that should certainly HELP the site, but it's not directly related to the site. I mean...well, it is and it isn't...

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 12/18/2010 11:27:46 PM

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:34:25 PM

WELL, thanks for clearing THAT up for us ;)

3 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:40:36 PM

LOL! Well, whatever it is I hope it goes well Ben, you guys deserve all the success you can get.

1 up, 1 down

Lawless SXE
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:16:37 AM

Is it the Home thing?

2 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 1:00:41 AM

I tried to post this twice earlier, but the comment system locked up my PS3.

Podcast...featured in Home's Community Theater?

It worked wonders for PSNation.

0 up, 0 down

firstc624
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 7:32:07 AM

An android app so i can view everything from my phone? That would be the best as i haven't been able to find one for psx

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Fane1024
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:30:53 PM
Reply

Ben (and our other resident JRPG-philes),

Just interested in your opinion(s): would you be happy if FFXIII-2 played something like FFXII or would it have to be fully turn-based? I know you'd prefer the latter, but would the former be good enough?

Highlander,

I added a long-winded reply on the other article, if you want to read it.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:42:31 PM

I did Fane, and a good reply it is. I also replied. I totally misunderstood your first comment. If FFXIII-2 arrived and allows the player to select between the combat system from FFXIII or a more traditional turn based I would be satisfied. I'm not asking the earth, I just want the option to play the way *I* prefer.

2 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:57:29 PM

I totally agree. I thought FFXII could easily have allowed the option of something like I described and would have been better for it.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:36:52 AM

FFXII would be fine. It's an RPG. It had an RPG combat mechanic. FFXIII didn't feel like role-playing because the combat didn't allow for any chance to pause and consider. That can come with either turn-based, or the setup in FFXII (or Dragon Age), where the game STOPS when you bring up some menus to issue new orders to allies, sift through items and equipment, etc.

3 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:30:56 PM
Reply

Good old FFXIII talk. I could go for a second one, provided they make it a bit more involved. The game was so pedestrian that I felt as though I was doing very little. At the same time, I did like the depth behind the battle system, so I suppose I'll get to enjoy that when I finally get a chance to dig into FFX and X-2 when I catch up on my backlog next year. And I quite liked the characters after they began to gain some depth towards the end of the game, and if that continues, FFXIII-2, if it exists, will be quite the tale.

Of course, it may not be referring to that at all, but rather her inclusion in other S-E games. It's not unprecedented. Companies, and some authors, re-use certain characters out of their worlds. Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen King, Playstation Move Heroes, Hot Shots Golf... etc. Plenty of examples. Even Lightning in Dissidia, and as cosplay in The 3rd Birthday. We'll see. Can't wait until the press conference on the 18th of January, but it's a b**ch it got pushed back by a week.

I quite like T2 as a publishing company. GTA, Red Dead, the upcoming L.A. Noire, and the oft forgotten Bioshock series. They really are expanding their portfolio, and as long as they continue to push new experiences, I will continue to back them. However, they're behind Sony, Sega and EA in my books, but perhaps Noire will be enough to put them ahead of EA.

Personal Update:
Picked up a Driving Force Wireless wheel for use with GT5, and it keeps trying to drive itself, which is infuriating. Other than that, still enjoying it immensely. I've more or less finished the first draft of my review for it, but it's too long and just terrible, so I'll rewrite it.
Also playing VC2 on the PSP, still.
I've almost finished Old and Young, which is the second book in Middlemarch, and it's just full of exposition, not that that is necessarily a bad thing. I also picked up '1984' by George Orwell. I've read it before, but I'll use it as a breaker if I can't find a copy of Purgatory before I finish Middlemarch.
And Christmas... I'm trying to dodge it. I really am.
Peace.

P.S. Expanding PSXE is a good thing, but as I've stated before, doing so will require a good deal of work to keep the 'undesirables' out. It's also reassuring to know that you'll continue to keep the focus on the long-time users. Not sure if I count, but still... Fantastiche!

P.P.S. I picked up The Sly Trilogy and the PoP Trilogy this past weekend. Why I do this things to myself I'll never know... I've now only got a backlog of about 25 games :/

Last edited by Lawless SXE on 12/18/2010 11:32:02 PM

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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:38:31 PM

People forget the Bioshock series?

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frylock25
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:53:43 PM

bioshock rules and totally over looked

3 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:18:32 AM

Well, not really forgotten, but forgotten when put beside GTA and RDR.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:37:07 PM
Reply

I'm telling you people, Nomura is talking about Light in KH3. Otherwise we would be hearing from somebody else's team. And let's not for get she's in Dissidia Duodecimal System.

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Highlander
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:03:47 AM

You may be right.

New Tifa avatar I see....nice. I'm beginning to think I need to start changing up KOSMOS every now and again, although I personally really like the KOSMOS avatar I have, and the one with my favorite trio - Mizuho, Shion and KOS-MOS.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:26:15 AM

Still doin the weekly feature, but I might have to find something more permanent. People are probably either getting annoyed or a tad too "tit"illated.

1 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:32:36 AM

Nothin' wrong with that mate. I mean, it's better than manly men. LV might disagree, but he's just about the only one. :P

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:50:05 AM

I killed him . . . again.

1 up, 0 down

frylock25
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:50:32 AM

where did that guy lv go? is he out picking out scarfs or something? hes been gone a long time.

1 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 1:04:51 AM

LV was on PSN two days ago.

I haven't seen him here in forever, though.

@World

How was there no nip slip in the last pic?

Last edited by Fane1024 on 12/19/2010 1:06:34 AM

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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 1:09:43 AM

If there had been Ben woulda pulled it and thrown me in a tree, but I didn't alter the image at all.

1 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 1:51:56 AM

Pulled it? Either that's a bad choice of words, or I have a dirty mind...

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 4:50:14 AM

Lawless...

Mind. Gutter. Out.

Hey, I like that, it's almost as good as Pot. Kettle. Black.

Last edited by Highlander on 12/19/2010 4:50:45 AM

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Lawless SXE
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 5:18:12 AM

Alright.
*Hangs head in shame*

1 up, 0 down

tes37
Saturday, December 18, 2010 @ 11:40:25 PM
Reply

I wouldn't mind Square Enix taking another shot at making me happy. If XIII-2 is made I wouldn't pre-order it, but I would buy it after finding out if their old fanbase approves of it.

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frylock25
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:13:51 AM
Reply

PGU: my week has been a lot of gt5 and mag. played a few other games here and there. i made level 20 on A-spec and B-spec last sunday and have been working more on b since i have been busy. easy money also. i have some bad ass cars and really enjoy driving them. my kid will sit next to me when i do cockpit on premium cars and tell me how she is sitting in the passenger seat. got to love kids.

played some truely awesome games of mag today and though i only had time for 2 rounds of domination i scored 2 trophies each game for a total of 4 trophies in 1 hour. i was platoon leader in the first game and squad leader in the second. calling in gas drops as platoon and firing the mortars as a squad leader. one of the games i was 1st place mvp in domination of my platoon. not an easy feet to do all the time.

the ability to take screen shots in mag now is really awesome. i have taken a couple really cool pics of the game.

i am getting pretty far in gt5 i think i am 60% now. level 23 b spec by now i think.

1 up, 0 down

booze925
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:48:42 AM
Reply

quote of the week:
Ha Ha thats right you bastards! WE GOT YOU NOWOH CRAP!

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Fane1024
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 1:25:12 AM
Reply

PGU: frequent Rock Band 3. I finished the Road Challenges and am grinding through the rest of the Vocals Challenges that are doable. Once I post scores for all 443 songs I have, I can start work on some gold stars.

I finally finished my MLB 08 Road To The Show, so I have officially graduated to MLB 09 (yes, last year's game).

Now that TV has dried up, I should be able to get to some narrative-based games in my backlog.

Unfortunately, it looks like I'm not as fortunate as BikerSaint and will be laid off in Feb. Ugh. It might mean more game time in the short run, though, and I might even make it to spring training. Time to dip into the retirement fund, it seems. Thank Jebus I only have one mouth to feed.

Last edited by Fane1024 on 12/19/2010 1:26:22 AM

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BikerSaint
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 6:28:41 PM

Fane, sorry to hear about the layoff, hopefully after the holiday things will pick up & they'll call you back. Or maybe you can find a better paying job.

As for me, I escaped both, wholesale layoffs of 60 & then another 250 employees.
But there's still an off-chance chance that they'll continue with some individual layoffs too.
And even though there's only about 3 to 5 people in the whole company of 4000+ that has been there longer than me, seniority counts for nothing, & I'm still not immune unless I can make it to the Memorial day holiday that ramps the beginning our tourist season.

Last edited by BikerSaint on 12/19/2010 6:29:33 PM

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Highlander
Monday, December 20, 2010 @ 10:25:03 AM

Fane, I hope things get better for you.

I've lived through three recessions now, including the recession in the UK that ran from the late 70's through the mid 80's. We thought that there was no end in sight then, but there was. Of course, recession is hard to deal with when it affects you personally. It's hard to remain positive when it feels like things are falling down around you. But truly, this too shall pass.

Things are beginning to get better in the economy, but it's a slow recovery. Believe it or not, a slow recovery is a good thing because it avoids the boom/bust cycle that creates a sort of false dawn. I truly hope that you're able to find alternate employment if indeed you are laid off.

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Temjin001
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 1:47:55 AM
Reply

I'm guessing PSXe will expand into Xbox territory =p
They could attract another audience while taking the time to review only a handful more games exclusive to Xbox gamers.... let's see, Gears of War 3. The end.

Anyhow, I've been playing more ME2. I really love it. The universe the art design, and just the whole vibe I feel from it is really enthralling. Certain combat problems are a bit annoying. First, the game locks you into battle ready position during any of the action missions. Basically, I can't just turn around 90 degrees by pushing backwards on the stick; instead, Sheppard is always like a tank. Pressing back on the movement stick means back peddling, not turning around. Usually it's not a problem, but in a recent battle session I jumped over a cover barrier. Where, quickly after, I realized I wanted to hop back over that same barrier because more enemies revealed themselves. Instead of being able to be cool like Nathan and just turn right around and hop back over the barrier for cover, instead, I have to run a half circle to get back around into cover. Not a big deal, but a noticeable loss of control/gameplay during battle. Oddly, even the first ME let you holster your gun in battle to break from the strafe-always forward orientation. Pretty minor stuff, but noticeable nonetheless.

1 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 2:00:27 AM

B-But, but what about Forza 4 and, and... and Milo and Kate and... Kinect?! Don't you be taking potshots at my 360!
/sarc/

But what you say about Mass Effect 2 there seems really cumbersome. I mean, how is that a good design decision? Why not just require you to hold down a button to enter aiming, and otherwise allow you freemove? As you say, it is minor, but must be very distracting.
Oh, and I think you mean 180 degrees, not 90.
Peace.

2 up, 0 down

sirbob6
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 2:37:00 AM

@ Lawless
I know that you well be soooo disappointed but I believe that Milo was canceled. Sorry for you lose.

Last edited by sirbob6 on 12/19/2010 3:29:33 AM

1 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 2:47:37 AM

Oh noez! I haz nuthing!
*The XBot within explodes*

3 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 4:03:54 PM

Yeah, Lawless I dunno. Strangely the game forces the battle ready position. This also limits your FOV. The LT acts as a zoom and the RT is for fire. In most games holding LT(R1 for DS3) functions as raising your weapon to aim. What's more concerning is that the L3 and R3 buttons are both used as a mission compass. Why couldn't they have just made one of those buttons as a battle ready toggle? Maybe they'll fix that for ME3 ;)
Anyway, the game is great, and I enjoy playing it a lot despite it's rough edges. Areas that most premium games excel in ME2 struggles with. Combat animation can be pretty spotty. I've observed a team mate (Miranda) from crouched/cover slide about the ground without moving her body. She just sort of hovered around for positioning. Also, many of the combat missions have pretty sparse graphics complexity. I've encountered several that are lacking in geometric complexity, texturing, or light and shadows. THe graphics are at it's best when it's conversational, or when navigating non-combat action areas (bases, shopping centers etc.) Basically, premium PS3 games, even older PS3 games like Uncharted: DF are an all around better looking package.
I'd say 8.5-8.9 for graphics by PS3 standards and 9.0+ for 360 standards.

Oh, and correct, I did mean 180 degrees ;)

1 up, 1 down

Fane1024
Monday, December 20, 2010 @ 3:40:43 AM

@ Sensei T

They tried that already with Xbox Nerds and it didn't stick.

Last edited by Fane1024 on 12/20/2010 3:43:28 AM

0 up, 0 down

cLoudou
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 3:36:08 AM
Reply

I don't know but I would love FFXIII-2 to be similar to FFX-2. Wouldn't you want to see Light, Vanille, and Fang dressed up in different costumes?

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 5:23:09 AM
Reply

Ugh, I'd rather Square just let FFXIII die and move on. I wouldn't buy a XIII-2. Used or barrowed maybe. I'd rather they just take another shot at it with XV or stop all together. I think Nomura still has some ideas left, but I'd rather him move on to start his own studio. Which won't happen. :P

PGU: GT5, GT5 and more GT5. Ive tried to play other games but while I'm playing all I can think about is more GT5 so I find that I turn everything else off a few minutes after starting so I can play...more GT5. :) I really can't get enough at this point.

0 up, 0 down

Phoenix
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 5:47:14 AM

Yea, I think a XIII-2 would be a bad idea, many didnt like XIII to begin with.

I know I'll be staying far away from XIII-2 if they do make it, I learned my lesson from X-2, thank you very much.

0 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 5:44:06 AM
Reply

Ben...PS App:

http://ps3.uk.playstation.com/services/detail/item331327/

0 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 5:45:09 AM
Reply

^Thats a link to a page related to the PS App btw :)

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 6:38:20 PM

Liam,
Ben already knows about that app, as I had sent it to him about 3-4 days ago.

0 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 7:09:34 PM

Ah oke, guess I'll have to be faster next time xD

0 up, 0 down

Random_Steve
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 8:39:57 AM
Reply

Personal gaming update; YLOD about 2 weeks after the warranty ran out. Planned in obsolence? Definitely.

0 up, 0 down

kellett007
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 10:36:13 AM

I feel your pain my friend. I had this happen to me and was without a PS3 for awhile. Finally got some money and got a slim and love it

0 up, 0 down

Random_Steve
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:06:50 PM

I was angry when I wrote that. I guess I'll just have to fix it myself, at least i can still access the hard drive

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 6:43:33 PM

Random Steve,

Since it was only 2 weeks out of warranty, you should give Sony a call & see if they'll do a goodwill gesture for you by either a fix, or another console.

A lot of companies will do that if it's so soon after the warranty runs out, since it's good free public relations for their company, as word of mouth spreads about their good deed.

Last edited by BikerSaint on 12/19/2010 6:44:26 PM

1 up, 0 down

Random_Steve
Monday, December 20, 2010 @ 12:04:54 PM

I'll give it a try. My copy of GT5 was stuck in there, do you think there's a chance of seeing it again?

0 up, 0 down

Gone
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 8:55:59 AM
Reply

Ben,

When you update the site, make sure you have instant spam killer. Also a instant live chat on the side bar would be nice.

3 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 9:47:27 AM

YES!

0 up, 0 down

tes37
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 6:47:28 PM

I have an instant spam remover idea. This site gets a lot of traffic so there would be enough readers to kill it fairly quickly, if the spam button automatically deletes the comment after receiving a set number of hits. Something like 30-40 hits with 1 vote per member could help when Administrators aren't around.

Last edited by tes37 on 12/19/2010 6:54:15 PM

0 up, 0 down

Maiq The Liar
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 10:21:05 AM
Reply

Personal gaming update - Still playing Fallout New Vegas (addicted). Also have bought Battlefield Bad Company 2 and I have to say that im lovin it! Waaaaay better than cod.

0 up, 0 down

kellett007
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 10:34:46 AM
Reply

PGU: currenly playing gt5 and loving it and have been replaying heavy rain to try for the platinum trophy

0 up, 0 down

GuernicaReborn
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 10:56:54 AM
Reply

Ben/Arnold... I think adding a captcha image to cut down on the spammers in the comments section is a good idea. I wouldn't mind it.

It'll save you the headache of deleting them every time one of em signs up.

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 6:50:24 PM

GuernicaReborn,

I'd have to say "NO" to having any captcha image set-up.
Thats just basically replacing one frigging P.I.T.A. with another frigging P.I.T.A.

Plus 1/2 the time you can't make out what the letters or images are, so you have to keep changing the freaking images till you finally get one right that let's you in.

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 7:45:23 PM

It isn't a headache. Trust me...seconds.

1 up, 0 down

PasteNuggs
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 11:03:19 AM
Reply

PGU: Currently on the 3rd act of MGS4. Ya I know I'm behind on it but I always sucked at metal gear when I was younger so I never planned on picking this one up until I saw it on amazon for 10 bucks so I got it and I love it. Also, playing Fable 3, AC:B, Castlevania, Alan Wake, and Ace Combat 6. After Christmas ill have Blood Stone, Infamous, GT5, Apache: Air Assault, and Split Second to get through before the 2011 assault.

0 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 11:08:23 AM
Reply

I have yet to finish FFXIII but I'll probably do in March, it's not like the next FF will come in a few months.

Has Take Two always relied on GTA alone?
What about 2K games?
Do they not contribute enough?

0 up, 0 down

Pandacastro
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 12:09:17 PM
Reply

Anyone have Ac brotherhood? Need help on that co-op trophy. My psn is the same as my name if you want to add me.

0 up, 0 down

Slycly
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 6:34:56 PM
Reply

FF XIII sold a decent amount of copies but alot of people who bought it didn't even finish it. XIII-2 would be nothing but an attempt to milk some of the people who bought XIII.

1 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 7:28:10 PM
Reply

Would it be hard to incorporate a system that bans names with odd letter combinations? Or maybe send them a message asking them to reply?

Yeah it probably would be..hmm...lol.

Anyway, today when I tried turning on my PS3 it said that I needed to re-format the HDD.

Oh shit.
Luckily it only deleted my arrangement of folders, & corrupted my prototype trial that had took 5 million years to get to 99%. Oh well...coulda been worse. Atleast now I know to take the anger out on the FIFA10 disc instead of trying to eat my ps3 (Yeah thats how angry I get on fifa...anyone who's played legendary, fully manual on MM mode with a half-star team feels my pain).

But turns out my 'luck' ended where it 'started' :P I planned on gettin GT5 + a DFGT, but guess what..3 weeks before christmas it snows like hell, no deliverys. 2 weeks snow is still there. 1 week left & now their sold out. Perfect. I'm gunna be in one fudged off mood come christmas morning! >:(

Last edited by Ludicrous_Liam on 12/19/2010 7:30:06 PM

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 7:44:49 PM

You'll never stop spam. But the fact that we can make a bot disappear in seconds is what counts.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 7:46:35 PM
Reply

FYI, spambots go wild on the weekend and the only reason you see them more on Sundays is because I'm not around during the day.

You'll note they all disappear when I see them, and during the week, they're never around for more than an hour or so.

0 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 8:37:07 PM

Maybe you could give the respected members of the site the authority to delete comments? (And by respected members I mean y'know..me lol) Like...Mini-moderators.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 9:51:13 PM

I would if I thought it was necessary. I'm quite on top of the spam and it takes me almost no time.

0 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ 8:43:05 PM
Reply

Oh yeah, almost forgot. When upgrading the site, keep the PS3's dated browser in mind eh? This one of the only sites that work perfect.
(I.e WHY WONT YOU PLAY THE VIDEO!? IF I WANTED MY CURSOR TO POINT TO THE MIDDLE OF THE SCREEN, WHY WOULD I PRESS PLAY!?)

1 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Monday, December 20, 2010 @ 3:50:03 AM

LOL and +1

I almost always use the PS3 browser to access this site from home and would hate to be unable to do so.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Monday, December 20, 2010 @ 3:19:54 AM
Reply

its amazing how far 2K have come, from the one trick pony they were to releasing bioshock, mafia, the darkness, max payne, RDR, than upcoming LA Noire, Agent truly have evolved very quickly.
if i could only play one upcoming game it would definitely be bioshock infinite, just looks so unique and freaking amazing!
plus every entry in the series has been nothing short of spectacular!

0 up, 0 down

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