Ben's Week In Review: April 3
March was a ridiculously busy month; April might give me a little break. But that secret project of ours might just launch this month, so...
Truth: Max Payne kicks ass
Yeah, we've gone well past the days when bullet-time was considered cutting-edge and the single coolest feature in gaming. Heck, dozens of titles have adopted that feature since, but I still say Max Payne 2 is one of my favorite games of all time. I loved the story and I loved the accessibility and nonstop fun of the gameplay. Bullet-time never got boring and I'm pretty sure I played that game through at least three times. Therefore, I'm plenty excited for Max Payne 3; I think it's too bad that so few seem to be all that psyched. On the PlayStation side, it's understandable. Max Payne was a PC/Xbox title; the PS2 versions just weren't quite as good, so long-time Sony loyalists might've easily missed the first two titles.
But even so, you shouldn't flat-out ignore MP3. Considering Rockstar's track record and the high standing of the franchise, I just can't imagine a poor effort, and it'll be interesting to see what they do in this next iteration. I just hope the storyline remains as robust as ever...
L.A. Noire already breaking boundaries
It's the first game ever to be honored with a Tribeca Film Festival presentation, and that says something. Granted, it could very well have been Heavy Rain, but admittedly, Team Bondi's project is a bit more mainstream, and of course, it'll be available on multiple platforms. But anyway, I think it's important that certain progressive games break boundaries in this way; it's important for those in film, for example, to see what this industry is doing. Maybe it'll give Hollywood some inspiration to look at themselves and go, "uh...when's the last time we were 'progressive?'" But there is one caveat to L.A. Noire that I've been thinking about- if it's either too easy or too difficult to make the correct decision by reading a suspect's face, the game takes a big stumble.
I mean, there are other elements to the gameplay, but that face recognition is a big feature, especially because of the innovation factor. If it falls flat, it means we still have a ways to go on the technology front, you know?
Personal gaming update
I'm done with Top Spin 4 for the time being so I'll go back to Crysis 2 and Dragon Age II. I thought about finishing The 3rd Birthday but it's just a tad too flawed for me, and all I can do is think about how much better it would've been with the original gameplay mechanic. It still has some of the most amazing cinematics you'll ever see on a portable unit (until the NGP arrives, at least), so that's a draw. And I will not torture myself by playing any more of SHIFT 2: Unleashed, which I was fully expecting to like. I don't care what anyone says; the control and reliability is way off, and the aggressiveness is so ridiculous, it's closer to destruction derby than racing.
Coming up, expect a review for SOCOM 4 as soon as the embargo lifts (April 12), and I expect to see Mortal Kombat at some point. Outside of that...I just want to launch our new feature...this month, if possible.
4/2/2011 Ben Dutka
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Comments (65 posts)
kellett007
Saturday, April 02, 2011 @ 10:07:00 PM
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kellett007
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 7:34:36 AM
Temjin001
Saturday, April 02, 2011 @ 10:17:13 PM
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And yeah, Max Payne deserves props for pioneering the whole "bullet time" game play thing.
PGU: I rented Crysis 2 and I'm about 2/3-3/4 through (360 version)
It's good. I can't say I'm totally stoked by it. It looks real nice and impresses me with it's sense of scale. It does a handful of cool things with the nano suit. The AI is last gen, which basically sucks.I've been playing MW2 also. I enjoy it more than Crysis 2 (yeah, I suck like that). I'm even doing a user-review of MW2--oooh retro. ANd I managed to finish KZ3 on Elite. It's good stuff, too. But I did have another frustrating system locking freeze while doing it. And I observed a glitch with a dude hanging by his leg that was stretched out like 8 feet--funny stuff.
Anyway, I got an iPhone 3GS and I got that Infinity Blade game. Hot damn it looks nice. I like it's play, too. It's like Nintendo's Punch Out, but with swords and mid-evil stuff.
Temjin001
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 2:29:48 AM
I skipped most the story--like most FPS I play. Had a nice little MGS4 style event going on there at the end.
Anyway, their were some definite "WOW" moments, at times, through out the game.
Here's my shoot'n from the hip user review!
Graphics: 9 Looks great. Massive scale is quite impressive. Great lighting and effects. LoD pop-in is sometimes annoying. Close up texture work is generally a little muddy.
Control: 8.5 Something about these controls felt floaty. I adapted over time to them. Slowdown hinders control.
Sound: eh, don't know. I had the volume down a lot. maybe an 8 or 9.
Gameplay: 9 If they'd have made the AI better, this would have been higher. Slowdown can hinder the experience. The game tackles a lot of play conventions well: stealth, tactical planning, no sneaking/shoot 'em dead play option, suit power upgrades, lots 'o guns. Many ways to skin a cat in this game.
Longevity 9 Longer game than many of it's type. Can't say I'm amped on a second play through, but it was mostly fun while it lasted.
OVERALL:9.0
If you haven't shot enough baddies this gen from the first person, better go ahead and throw Crysis 2 on the pile.
FxTales
Saturday, April 02, 2011 @ 10:41:17 PM
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Last edited by FxTales on 4/2/2011 10:44:31 PM
Lawless SXE
Saturday, April 02, 2011 @ 11:09:34 PM
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I think the camera set-up for L.A. Noire will be able to work in the way the devs seem to think it will, and I don't think that it'll be overly difficult in any given circumstance. I truly believe that it'll live up to the hype, and behind inFamous and Uncharted, it's my most anticipated title of the year. Can't wait for it.
Personal Update:
Playing Sly 2, and I'm not sure how I want to review the Trilogy... I'll work it out when I complete my notes. I had to go into the city Friday afternoon, but it was in-and-out, so I didn't get a chance to pick up any more games/novels, but I'll have a proper chance this coming weekend, which should be fun.
And I'm up to Canto 20 in Inferno. You really do need to find a quiet place to be able to read that. It just demands your absolute attention. Maybe that's just me.
Peace.
WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, April 02, 2011 @ 11:15:55 PM
kraygen
Saturday, April 02, 2011 @ 11:14:40 PM
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I wasn't impressed with the first shift and thought it seemed pretty early to be bringing out the sequel so I'm not the least bit surprised by people's complaints.
PGU: Almost done with Godfather 2, decent, definitely well worth the $18 I paid for it. I finally got Wanted: Weapoons of Fate in the mail so it's up next. For $14 it should be pretty good based on the demo. If it uber sucks, at least I'm not out $60.
kraygen
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 4:13:27 AM
BikerSaint
Saturday, April 02, 2011 @ 11:41:31 PM
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My PGU,
I've been like a pouting 8 year old little brat since my PS3 died. I just feel like laying in the corner & kicking at the walls of my naughty corner since I can't play my KZ3 or any of my other 2-3 dozen backed-logged exclusives for it either. Waaaa.
I'm thinking of trying to go back to GTA on my bot-box since I've already got 130+ hours worth of marathons on it & still have 15% left to the story, plus a bunch of side missions left. And I'm hoping the Episodes from Liberty City will be able to occupy my mind.
I also picked up a used 360 "Sniper: Ghost Warrior at GS tonight during their PowerSave sale this upcoming week. They have it for only $19.99 right now, but I happened to find a copy with a wrong price sticker of $17.99. It was running for $34.99 used last week, so I was able to get a pretty good deal on it. BTW, it's also said to have a great bullet-time mode, but they call theirs, "Bullet Cam".
Soooooo, between GTA4, EFLC, & S:GW, I'm hoping they can take my mind off of my dead PS3, or I just might have to go buy a pacifier & security blanket, just to keep me comfy till my phat princess is resurrected.....
....or my neighbors rat me out to Super Nanny.
Last edited by BikerSaint on 4/2/2011 11:44:13 PM
Excelsior1
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:02:39 AM
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Jawknee
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:05:21 AM
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Still haven't completed Crysis 2 either. I'm sorry but I am bored with that game already. Not sure what it is. It's just not grabbing me like it did so many others here. I think I'm close to the end and I feel like I have to force myself through it. I think maybe Killzone 3 has spoiled me when it comes to FPS. I can't get enough of the multiplayer. It's just so much better.
Killa Tequilla
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:23:36 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:36:55 AM
Killa Tequilla
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:42:26 AM
Jawknee
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:53:43 AM
Jawknee
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 1:02:09 AM
Killa Tequilla
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 1:04:04 AM
Well if you want to get better at Bad Company 2, you should always play with friends because Bad Company 2 trully is a great game if you use teamwork . If you do play with friends then try to use teamwork more often. Once you get the hang of it, its fun. Also try the assault class, seems to me its the easiest to use. But thats just me of course...
Last edited by Killa Tequilla on 4/3/2011 1:05:39 AM
Jawknee
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 1:29:20 AM
Killa Tequilla
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 1:32:47 AM
JMO_INDY
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 1:55:05 AM
tes37
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 9:19:09 AM
Jawknee
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:12:19 PM
JMO_INDY
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 2:14:34 PM
Last edited by JMO_INDY on 4/3/2011 2:16:55 PM
Alienange
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:21:17 AM
Reply
WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:33:05 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:37:12 AM
frylock25
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 1:32:43 AM
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on a more personal note my family has suffered a loss. my aunts husband was killed while riding his motorcycle on friday. he had just turned 60 i think. i am not sure of the details right now but my aunt is a wreck. of all days it was april fools day. i dont think i heard one actual fake joke story that day. just a lot of bad news.
WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 1:59:19 AM
Shams
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 3:28:51 AM
Get your Mom and sister actively on your side, and it should go something like this, "Dad, you're a pro, and ride with the best of 'em, and it's obvious you have many more years of experience than me and most people on the road, but do we wanna wait 10-20 years until we (Mom, Sis, me, and yourself) find out when it might not be a good idea, or worse yet, when it's too late?"
Besides, you hear plenty of young people who give up biking when they start a family. They realize they have too much at stake. Granted, elder people have a sensitivity issue with all things age-related, which is obviously why one should appeal to their sense and reason as much as possible, rather than a dogmatic approach...like taking the air out of his tires, or some sh*t. But, don't give up.
THEVERDIN
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 3:44:48 PM
BikerSaint
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 9:13:14 PM
Sorry to hear that, my sympathies & prayers go out to both, you, & all of the families involved.
I don't know if a careless driver caused his death but since 87% of all motorcycle rider's maiming & deaths "ARE" caused by careless auto/truck/SUV drivers, it's a crying shame that ALL auto drivers don't have to take a mandatory "watch out for motorcycles" course in order to get their own drivers license.
Last edited by BikerSaint on 4/3/2011 9:14:07 PM
BikerSaint
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 9:27:35 PM
I totally have to disagree.
Apparently World's dad must be a decent rider over the years or he would have never made it into his 60's.
But if a rider is starting to lose their rider abilities & instincts, they & only they, will truly know it & when it's finally time to hang up their leathers.
For me, being a biker & that I live the life 24/7, I'd wither up & die if my passion was taken away from me(actually, I'd F-up any buttinski who tried to take away my rights & freedom).
___________
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 3:32:50 AM
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so many delays, R* have not exactly been showing its limelight so that secrecy is worrying.
but the worst part is it seems there taking it in a direction it should not go.
the new local, the new environments, the new different max.
felt like rushing down to the optometrist when i first saw those pics of max, thought my eyes were playing tricks on me because that looked nothing like him!
i wish remedy kept the license, there the ones who created the series so there the only ones who will respect it and keep the series how it should be.
a series going from its creator to a outside party is never a good sign!
cough bionic commando, cough lost planet 2, cough the DMC reboot!
played a little crysis 2 and ACB on my PC last night.
shocked to see how well crysis 2 runs!
everything maxed out 3D and all, even downloaded the advanced graphics tweaker a fan released and everything maxed on there im still getting a solid 60FPS!
ACB on the other hand, IT RUNS LIKE SH*T!
you would think it would run better then the console versions considering it was delayed by a good 6 months!
right?
WRONG!
my god its somehow buggier, which is a worry because ACB on the ps3 was one of the buggiest games i ever played!
but this though is just ridiculous, with 3D OFF i cant get above 15FPS!
ive had enough!
first they give us the middle finger with there BS DRM!
then they give us the middle finger with the 6 month delay!
then they give us the middle finger with the crappy console port!
thats it, from now on i am NEVER buying a ubisoft game ever again!
they cant be bothered polishing there games, then i cant be bothered buying and playing them!
then they wonder why people pirate there games...........
Lawless SXE
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 4:55:48 AM
___________
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 9:02:31 AM
and the PC version has 10 times more bugs then mercenaries 2, fallout 3 and fallout new vegas put together!
im afraid ubisoft has turned into crapcom!
gone from one of the best third party developers, only releasing gold.
to one of the worst, only releasing crap!
there going to have to move heaven and earth to win me back!
LittleBigMidget
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 3:47:30 AM
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RadioHeader
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 6:40:30 AM
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Teddie9
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 9:13:19 AM
Jawknee
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:14:47 PM
sirbob6
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 2:27:47 PM
Plus being a medic I have the little drone and can revive myself. Nothing better than a sniper sitting on your body when you get back up.
Jawknee
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 2:43:53 PM
FM23
Monday, April 04, 2011 @ 3:26:28 AM
SolidFantasy
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 9:14:34 AM
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When I'm not home I've been playing Minecraft on my PC. That can be addicting and proof that graphics aren't everything. But since I just broke up with my girlfriend I should have some more time on my hands to grind away at the games I love so much.
Scarecrow
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 12:05:01 PM
Bugzbunny109
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 4:21:17 PM
Clamedeus
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 2:23:58 PM
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We were going to swap the Blu-Ray drive out with my old PS3's drive, but we found out that the screw on the outside was stripped and my brother somehow ripped the wire that goes into the board on the bottom of the drive (not sure what it would be called not a tech expert though) I didn't have anything to get the stripped screw out so i was out of luck. :( all i needed to do was swap out the drive and it probably would of been a fully functional PS3 for free. >.<
It was too good to be true, oh well I'm going to be getting a PS3 next week.
Cool story eh? lol
Temjin001
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 5:26:22 PM
Clamedeus
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 7:04:38 PM
I believe if he just swaps out the Blu-Ray drive with a different one he will have a brand new PS3 for free.
jimmyhandsome
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 7:00:38 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 7:56:21 PM
jimmyhandsome
Monday, April 04, 2011 @ 4:49:03 PM
Snaaaake
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 7:05:01 PM
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Having a lot of fun with it, been scoring 40 points and now after 33 games I'm averaging 22.8 PPG.(After a very slow start to the season as my player was crap in the beginning)
Though that's very far from the leading LeBron who is averaging 31.4PPG.
But at the rate I'm going I'm definitely getting Rookie of the Year.
Scarecrow
Sunday, April 03, 2011 @ 8:40:03 PM

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WorldEndsWithMe
Reply
Saturday, April 02, 2011 @ 9:58:29 PM
I'm just not as worried about LA Noire as some people are. I have full confidence in my detective skills and the relative accuracy of the actors in their given situations. I bet it will be a lot easier than guessing how people will react to things said in Dragon Age II. (You're gonna go to war with me because I told you what happened?)
Ah, well Dragon Age was good but I'm glad it's a notch on the belt now. Just gotta blast through the DS2 ending, the last half of ME2, and I'll probably be starting Ar Tonelico Qoga tonight. Got the LE for the regular game price :) Great artbook and CD.
Lookin forward to may, I just want class to let out so I can play and write more.