Ben's Week In Review: September 11
Resistance 3After a week of Resistance 3 and Dead Island, we look forward to the autumn rush. Review coming for the ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection. ;)
If first-party devs don't want a PS4 right now...
We've heard it all before- most developers clearly aren't ready to embrace a new Sony console, but I always find it interesting when a designer like Insomniac echoes the sentiment. They're so familiar with the PlayStation brand and when they speak, I tend to listen. They say they can get more out of the PS3 and best of all, they really want to become masters. I get the feeling they think they've never had the opportunity to do that before, don't you? Like they got to the end of the PS2 generation and they were just starting to understand that console. It almost seems like we were a little shortchanged...
And let's not forget, many developers said something similar about Sony's last platform: it took them a while to understand it, and just when it was winding down and the PS3 was on the horizon, those game makers were finally getting a firm grasp of the system's architecture. Now, it seems like they all want a second chance; they want to have a chance to really master a console. Isn't that interesting?
I think we get mixed messages from Ninja Theory
Okay, they say the focus on creating huge, AAA titles that dominate the market is crippling innovation. I understand the point. But there are some extra factors that bug me: first off, there's a subtle implication that gamers only buy the "familiar." While I do agree that the more unique productions are riskier, and they'll never sell as well as popular, established franchises. At the same time, it has been proven that such risks can prove lucrative. Furthermore, there's another insinuation that only the popular sells when in fact, I still strongly believe that quality still sells.
Look, if you make a great game, it has a great chance of becoming a financial success. There's no guarantee but gamers tend to reward excellent efforts and that's a big part of the reason why I love this industry. And Ninja Theory, if you create a AAA game (and you've been close), I'm almost certain you will see the sales you want.
Personal gaming update
I'm right at the end of Resistance 3 and when done, I'll go back and finish Deus Ex: Human Revolution. I also want to finish Catherine but I'm not sure I'll get the opportunity. Also, I do intend to deliver a review for Bodycount at some point (although I wouldn't hold out hope for a high score), and you can also expect a review for Skydrift. I have the download code; I just have to use it and write the analysis.
Obviously, there's a lot more to come. I keep bugging the Level-5 people so we can get a Q&A done for White Knight Chronicles II, and I'll be speaking to Ian Bogost this week as well. And also look out for news concerning Episode #6 of the PSXE Home Show! We're gonna get up some PSX Extreme t-shirts for your avatars, too. ;)
9/10/2011 Ben Dutka
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Comments (58 posts)
Stabs88
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 12:01:17 PM
2 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 10:50:48 PM
Reply
Hopefully Ninja Theory delivers with DmC. Because, I think they might be at the end of their line if they don't. I mean, they seemed to have two current gen lackluster sales responses already. Both were good games. Games falling short of elation, but worthwhile either way. But it would seem most devs who tank on two games in a row in this climate aren't around to make a third. Hopefully, for their sake, a third time is their charm.
PGU: I finished R3. I really liked this one. I think it actually made me understand what I like from games better. See, I don't see R2 and R3 being all that different, functionally. They both play similarly and they both have great guns and enemy design. But one game does atmosphere and environment a lot better. That's R3. So many times I got this, man, this is resonating Half Life feelings in me. Not like, rip-off, mimicry feelings. No, the emotions that come from feeling immersed within the world. It sold me. It sold me well. I also want to speak out against some reviews I read that label the game with a "B-movie like" feel. I just don't get that. It certainly doesn't feel B-movie to me. The acting is as good, if not better, than any other FPS I've played. So I don't get the subtle jab that demeans it's quality. It isn't cheesy original Resident Evil scripting. The story works and it's actually a lot more emotionally believable to me than most mechanical military games I've played.
Anyway, I fully recommend it to all who were sitting on the fence. I actually enjoyed it more than KZ3.
6 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 4:35:43 AM
I think R3 is a much better game, much better designed in every way possible.
Only way someone could argue that kz3 was better is by doing a pixel-by-pixel comparison of the graphics. The objects are more detailed in kz3, and at a higher resolution. But at what cost? Too small maps, no exploration, moving targets on a railed progression. That's a way too expensive trade-off.
Insomniac has stroke the perfect balance in R3.
Last edited by Beamboom on 9/11/2011 4:37:05 AM
4 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 11:06:39 PM
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I think NT is right about AAAs for the most part. The standards are what sell more. Heavy Rain was a success, but still didn't see the sales it deserved.
I got Hunted: The Demon's Forge for some fantasy fun and Catherine (with art book). Catherine is hard, my brain just doesn't work that way but I really like it and will probably be hacking away at those puzzles for a long long time. For whatever reason I don't get as frustrated at them as others that befuddle me. And I like when it goes "edge".
1 up, 1 down
Lawless SXE
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 12:23:50 AM
Aside from that, how is Hunted? And damn you, I can't wait to get Catherine.
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 1:07:19 AM
You're gonna like Catherine I think, what an original creation!
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 9:01:35 AM
A bunch of journalists (I think about 7 or 8 in this case) get on a conference call with a PR person who heads the meeting, and one or two individuals who field the questions. Each person gets one or two questions of their own and of course, can listen to the other answers as well.
Straight interviews are different, of course, and will be labeled and formatted as such here at PSXE. Just to clarify. :)
2 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 1:41:01 PM
0 up, 0 down
SoulController
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 11:17:13 PM
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PGU: Im trying to get back into LA Noire after being sucked away by ME2. A little difficult because both games have a pretty drastic pacing from one another but Ill get there. I cant wait for the ICO collection later this month & Playing the demo of the God of War Origins pretty much has me buying it this week. But i dont know if I should wait for a sale though.
On a personal note. I broke up with my girlfriend a few weeks ago. Its a long story so I wont bore anyone, but ill leave you with this. She hated video games and always made condescending comments to her friends and family in front of me about it. Meet my 2 fingers..peace lady
Last edited by SoulController on 9/10/2011 11:18:51 PM
4 up, 0 down
SoulController
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 11:24:15 PM
4 up, 1 down
Killa Tequilla
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 11:58:03 PM
2 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 12:19:47 AM
3 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 1:28:47 AM
next gen is right around the corner. that's why people keep talking about it.
2 up, 2 down
Beamboom
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 6:32:59 AM
5 up, 1 down
SoulController
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 7:45:28 AM
1 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 9:03:06 AM
It's just that regardless of your hobby, she didn't try to understand it and worse, she didn't accept it as being part of you. Instead, she makes snide comments about it behind your back.
That's just plain childish and insulting.
8 up, 0 down
AcHiLLiA
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 1:30:45 PM
2 up, 0 down
SoulController
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 1:49:30 PM
I never knocked her for her hobbys & I was pretty open minded about her addiction to shopping & love of books. This breed of Carrie Bradshaw wannabes in NYC really are a trip. They think its healthy for them to complain all the time & waist their money in having too many clothes.
So excuse me for wanting to unwind every once in a while with my gaming brothers or a great gaming narrative.
2 up, 0 down
Killa Tequilla
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 11:55:32 PM
Reply
2 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 1:09:19 AM
1 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 12:13:16 AM
Reply
Ninja Theory are just as confusing. They've also made great games that have fallen short, and I think that that is where this idea of AAA game development crippling innovation comes from. They've tried to innovate through the strength of their storytelling, rather than gameplay mechanics, but it doesn't appear as though consumers want that nearly as much. I suppose that DmC really will be the kicker as to whether or not they can succeed.
PU:
Plugging away at Resistance 3, I'm on Chapter 17, and I don't think too far from the end. I also picked up KZ3 on the same day. Outside of that, nothing particularly new.
Peace.
0 up, 2 down
Fane1024
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 6:59:42 AM
4 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 1:11:02 AM
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insomniac is a great developer, but i don't think they are the technical masters on the ps3 that nuaghty dog, gg, or sony santa montica are. r3 is easily their best game though.
i think ninja theory is feeling the pressure. they have yet to produce a triple a title, and probably won't get many more chances if dmc 5 does not suceed. la noire sold over 4 million copies and it was a new ip. that shows gamers don't always buy what is familar and will reward quality when they see it.
pgu
i have completed r3 and i enjoyed it very much. now i will pick up where i left off in deus ex.
Last edited by Excelsior1 on 9/11/2011 1:25:47 AM
3 up, 0 down
Gamer Girl Gemo
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 3:35:07 AM
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PGU: Sadly not having any interest in Deus Ex, R3, or DI, I've gotten down to training on FF8. I finally beat a boss that I'd been stuck on ever since I first played the game about 10+ years ago... Only to encounter another boss. Such joy found there. Other than working the good old PS days, I've been spending time in Black Ops. I'm sadly one of those usual Black Ops players, but I don't play it like crazy. On another note, I tried the AC: Revelations multi beta and I was definitely not impressed by the continual long wait periods to be connected to a match. This is the only thing that really set me off of Brotherhood's multiplayer was because of the terrible waiting times for a match to be created. I felt really lucky when I was connected to a full room of players. So, it looks like I'll once again enjoy Revelations in its story format only.
On another note, my prayers and thoughts go out to those affected 10 years ago in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Can't believe it's already been 10 years. Time flies, huh?
Last edited by Gamer Girl Gemo on 9/11/2011 3:36:48 AM
2 up, 0 down
Clamedeus
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 5:22:43 AM
1 up, 0 down
___________
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 4:20:57 AM
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look at uncharted 3 it looks almost the same as 2!
1 more year and will need a announcement of new consoles.
quality does not sell, if it did uncharted would be bringing in allot more then it is and COD would be doing allot worse!
some of the best games this gen have sold pretty poorly, i still cant believe enslaved has only sold 500K units!
im bashing my way through dead island now.
not as fun as i was hoping it would be, mainly because the weapons are so weak and rare it makes you spam your kick which is boring instead of using that sword to send a zombies head flying!
not to mention allot of the times it takes several hits thus making you more reluctant to use it, im constantly saying to myself no i wont use it because it may take 3 hits then it will almost be broken, then if i forget and accidentally use it again it will break.
i know this is suppose to be a RPG and such, but come on a damage system on the weapons just takes all of the fun out of it!
i want to be running around killing everything i see because thats whats fun!
not sprinting away from 100s of zombies because i dont want to damage my weapons.
0 up, 11 down
bigrailer19
Monday, September 12, 2011 @ 10:39:36 AM
2 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 4:45:48 AM
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Deus Ex is the kind of game that *has* to be enjoyed in single player. Even a coop whore like me realize that campaign coop would simply not work in that game. Deus Ex Human Revolution is the single most important reminder to me this year of why single player games will always exist. Why they MUST always exist.
Resistance 3 on the other hand, now that is a good campaign coop game. It's conceptually simple enough for two buddies to small-talk our way through without missing much, at the same time it's entertaining enough for us to never lose focus. That stormy map right at the beginning will forever remain in my memory. Never has a game made me *feel* the weather more than this.
Together they make a perfect blend of everything that makes me love gaming. These are good times, friends.
Last edited by Beamboom on 9/11/2011 4:49:48 AM
4 up, 0 down
johnld
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 2:02:18 PM
as for resistance 3, i want to play it. however, i'm waiting for a little drop in price before i buy it because i have no problem waiting. wkc2 releases in a few days so i'll have something to play till i get resistance 3.
2 up, 1 down
Beamboom
Monday, September 12, 2011 @ 4:20:03 AM
As a matter of fact I salute games that are not designed to cater for "everyone". Once you do like that particular game they are more interesting, and much more fulfilling than a wider, general audience game can ever be. Much like movies, actually.
Last edited by Beamboom on 9/12/2011 5:16:11 AM
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 5:05:39 AM
Reply
5 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 9:04:13 AM
Overseas stuff for interviews is...complicated.
3 up, 0 down
Highlander
Monday, September 12, 2011 @ 9:28:39 AM
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 11:10:48 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
main_event05
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 12:03:58 PM
"Awww man, I gotta go to the UK?"
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 1:54:44 PM
2 up, 0 down
johnld
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 2:04:57 PM
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 3:51:52 PM
This! I'm loving my time out here. I especially loved the Czech Republic and Spain. We have never played those countries and the people at the shows knew our songs. We got to play with The Flatliners in Spain too. That was awesome. It's been great playing these shows. I just miss my wife, my baby and a clean bed. :(
I'm stoked for the UK too. Those shows should be great. I'm just ready to go home. Haha. When we're done, I'll have been on the road for a month. By the time we're done we will have played 25 shows in 30 days. Minus 5 days for travel time and two days off.
Last edited by Jawknee on 9/11/2011 3:54:32 PM
4 up, 0 down
Wissam
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 11:12:23 AM
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not so many people that are willing to spent $500
on a new console. only but those hardcore fans.
Why can't people understand this ?
2 up, 0 down
main_event05
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 11:15:17 AM
Reply
PGU
DEAD ISLAND DEAD ISLAND DEAD ISLAND!!!
This game is sooo addicting. I love it. It has it's problems but who cares, its like dating a hot chick with a terrible laugh. The thing that bugs me the most is the physics or lack there of. Then the clipping. but too much good stuff going on to focus on or even really notice the bad.
Also, I read in the new issue of GI that RE:ORC will be boasting some CQC which is say ok, you're playing as a highly trained soldier hand to hand combat wouldn't be too farfetched, but then the article goes on to say that a single member of a team can single-handedly take out 36+ zombies effortlessly, no that's really stretching it. I guess I'll just have to watch this one closely.
2 up, 0 down
main_event05
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 11:21:02 AM
1 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 12:13:31 PM
See, I am seriously considering this game but only as a coop game. So I am gathering information these days :)
Last edited by Beamboom on 9/11/2011 12:20:01 PM
1 up, 0 down
main_event05
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 1:28:59 PM
I highly recommend you pick this up soon
0 up, 0 down
Godslim
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 11:57:04 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Teddie9
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 11:59:17 AM
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0 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 2:33:14 PM
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9/11/2001 10th Anniversary R.I.P.
"I will never forget"
OK, now this thread, I wanted to play R3 & Dead Island both, but due to severe financial difficulties right now, I haven't even thought of buying a single game in the last 3 months, (not even a cheap used $10 bargain-bin game) *DOUBLE SIGH*.
Anyway, as far as when the PS4's due out, even if my money woes were all straightened out, I wouldn't want to see it release for at least a couple more years.
Here's why... I think the PS3 & it's upcoming games still has a more to offer & astound us all with....and that "the best is yet to come!!!!"
My PGU:
Since I've been beyond broke, I've been trying to go through my huge backlog of games instead recently. So I've been working my way through Avatar & "WOW", I'm loving it.
*Possible spoilers*
Played all the way through it twice so far, once on the RDA side as an older musclebound tattoo-headed white male & then as a Nav'i warrior, starting out as a Black female before transforming to a Nav'i.
Although there's been some pop-in and some repetition from having to re-fight some of the same enemies and viperwolves whenever backtracking(and there's a lot of back tracking), I've really been loving the amazing storyline & all the beautiful landscapes, colorful neon &/or florescent fauna & flora, especially during the night scenes.
And now I'm now sorry that I never saw the movie version.
___________________________________________
Off topic for a sec:
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1 up, 0 down
BIGRED15
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 5:45:59 PM
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2 up, 0 down
Lairfan
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 6:21:16 PM
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1 up, 0 down
Danny007
Sunday, September 11, 2011 @ 7:35:51 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Qubex
Monday, September 12, 2011 @ 12:08:00 AM
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I am finally back with my new PS3 slim. I threw away my old PS3 as I couldn't be bothered spending $40 on cab to take it to the Sony center to get it repaired, and then another $249 for a new motherboard... what was the point of it...
Anyway, why is Ben's sub heading so true? Well, unpacking my new Slim brought back the same feelings I got 5 years ago when I undressed my Phatty and switched her on... it was exhilarating :)
I downloaded the Killzone 3 demo - and was reminded of the power of the PS3. Everything was bright, detailed and anti-aliased... a testament to the how the CELL <> RSX combination makes the impossible possible. The game looks gorgeous and plays like a dream.
When loading up my older games like MW1 and WaW, well they did not have the edge. Looking at Uncharted 2 again blew my mind.
I ask this question - because there are so many good titles there, are we becoming to used to how good these games actually are... I suddenly realised, this can't be a 5 year old machine; its insane how good some of these games are when you really look into the quality of their production value - Heavy Rain, GoWIII - Resistance 3, let us all not forget what we have and are experiencing...
With my new Slim I pre-orderd Battlefield 3 - something I am so looking forward too. I am taking a few days off work just for this title.
No, I think the PS4 can wait a little longer. I was very keen for it before, but hell, can we do some great stuff on the PS3 still... why not enjoy the ride for longer :)
Q!
"its.good.to.be.back"
Last edited by Qubex on 9/12/2011 12:08:58 AM
1 up, 0 down
Highlander
Monday, September 12, 2011 @ 9:30:57 AM
I'm probably going to take an Uncharted 3 day this year...LOL. I guess it's no worse than taking a day for the 1st NFL game of a new season, or a day to queue up and see the latest movie premier.
0 up, 0 down
Qubex
Tuesday, September 13, 2011 @ 1:07:10 AM
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Monday, September 12, 2011 @ 9:31:56 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
PasteNuggs
Reply
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 10:36:14 PM
PGU:
I finished Resistance 3 on Thursday so I'm back to Bulletstorm. I'm on the seventh act so basically almost done. After that I will be back to R&C:TOD. Then after that I want to get GOW collection and Fallout: New Vegas finished before Battlefield. Also, if I can get those done I plan on picking up Catherine or Deus Ex.