Ben's Week In Review: November 13
Gran Turismo 5Yet another ridiculous week of reviews is here and for extra fun, I'm moving between Monday and Tuesday. More on that in a minute.
What if Gran Turismo 6 was a PS4 launch title?
So Kazunori Yamauchi has confirmed what we all expected: Polyphony Digital is hard at work on the sixth Gran Turismo. Well, as we all know, this franchise hardly operates off an annual release schedule like several massive franchises this generation. In fact, we usually have to wait quite a while. There was a five and a half year gap between GT4 and GT5. Now, GT5 is less than a year old and we're already hearing whispers about a new generation...
So at this rate, is it totally out of the realm of possibility to assume GT6 will be a PS4 title? Polyphony might even have to hurry if Sony wants it for a kick-ass launch game; even if the new console doesn't get here until 2013, that's still less than three years between GT5 and GT6. You know, GT is the last sports/racing series I actually play? As much as I enjoy reviewing the likes of Burnout, Need for Speed, The Show, etc., I pretty much stick to other genres these days.
The rumors about GTAV are making me drool
The rumors just keep coming and if even half of them are accurate, I'll go so far as to say that Grand Theft Auto V is almost guaranteed to be Game of the Year 2012. There's just so much Rockstar is trying to do; it appears to be a tremendous mix of innovation and returning features long-time avid fans have always loved. All this talk about an experience that "never ends," and the combination of a "vast storyline" and what might be the biggest virtual world ever is just mind-boggling. Although I never went back to GTAIV, I loved that game as I loved all the GTAs since GTAIII. Well, the series didn't exist for me before that.
But somehow, I think GTAV will exceed even my expectations. The only downside is this- I have a feeling that the hype for this game is gonna be so out of control, that it'll be almost impossible to exceed expectations. I hate it when that happens. Usually, when I start to see the hype flooding and affecting my outlook, I just stop reading those articles. Drives me nuts.
Personal gaming update
It's just crazy. I've completed Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and as much fun as I'm having with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Saints Row: The Third, I have to move on. Need for Speed: The Run is sitting here, and I have to do Assassin's Creed: Revelations, too. I may also have to look at the four new PlayStation Move games Sony sent me and if I somehow have time, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7.
I'd love to just indulge in Skyrim and Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (which I haven't even been able to start) but there's no way. I have to get past this coming week. As I said above, in addition to all the reviews and news that has to be covered, I'm moving. I've tried to set it up so I won't be offline for long, but nevertheless, I probably won't be able to update on Monday night as I normally do. Just bear that in mind. :)
P.S. Video commentary for Skyrim is coming.
11/12/2011 Ben Dutka
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Comments (49 posts)
Lawless SXE
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 9:25:14 PM
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I think that GT6 will definitely be delayed to the next 'Station. Seriously, what more can PD add to the current generation? They've made their statement. Semi-related: Saw one of the Signature Editions of the game going for $99AUD yesterday in JB Hi-Fi. What kind of racefan could pass that up? Too bad I've already got mine :/
GTA V. Yeah, I'm waiting 'til R* starts talking. But they won't. They like to surprise their fans, which means I'll be waiting until the game. Fine by me.
PU:
Getting through The Bourne Identity. Picked up Volume 2 of the Sherlock Holmes Collection as well, so I'll start on those in the new year, still have quite a few unopened books on my shelf.
Playing through UC3 on Hard and once that's done, I'm moving onto Skyrim. I was amped as hell though. I picked it up yesterday, expecting it to be 80-90 as per usual. Looked at the shelf, every copy was advertised for $75, except for one, listed at $63. Picked it up and received a four dollar discount. American pricing for Skyrim one day after release? Never seen a better deal :)
Peace!
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bigrailer19
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 9:46:11 PM
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PGU: I beat U3, what an epic game! Best game I've ever played, definitely my favorite game, in my favorite series! Started playing MP and co-op both also awesome and much fun. I really hope ND supports the co-op!
Beat BF3, that's probably the shortest FPS I've ever played. I was very underwhelmed withthe story. Great gameplay and action though. The MP is fresh, and has a learning curve and the vehicles are a balanced part of it. I usually hate vehicles in MP - well I still do - but it's atleast playable for me! Which I really respect!
Beat MW3 last night. That was the best campaign in the series. Very good, this time I actually knew what characters I was and when, and what part of the story I was in. I also love the tie ins to the other MW games. The other MW games were good but I felt lost at times. Also I was very surprised in the length. It took me about 6 and a half hours, I was pretty happy about that. The action was over the top and amazing, very, very entertaining. The MP is as good and deep as ever. I love leveling your character and weapons is finally seperate. Great game very pleased, and well MW3 rejuvenated the games for me!
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 11/12/2011 9:51:14 PM
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PasteNuggs
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 10:23:07 PM
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bigrailer19
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:22:07 PM
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 11/12/2011 11:23:11 PM
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Ultimate_Balla
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 10:03:41 PM
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I'm still on my first playthrough of MW3, but when one of the mains died, I decided to give it a break... it somehow got to me. The other dude deserved more than a punch & explanation for that.
@Ben
were the previous GTAs hyped up like this one is being now? I might end up bored with the game by early next year @ this rate. D1P still though. :)
PGU; I'm finishing my exams on wednesday, so I couldn't squeeze in as much time as I usually do, but I managed to plat MW2(seriously, the last Spec Ops challenges can be done alone) & i'm playing Vanquish, FFXIII(...again), U3 & MW3 in my free time.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 10:08:15 PM
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bigrailer19
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:24:48 PM
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PasteNuggs
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 10:33:55 PM
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PGU: I've been playing MW3 quite a bit. The campaign was definitely entertaining. I've played the online a little bit but I'll definitely stick to BF3 for online gaming. I've also been wanting to play UC3 online but every time I try I'll get into a game and go to shoot someone and it will freeze for about 10 seconds if I don't get killed, otherwise it will unfreeze and I can run around the map all day but I can't kill anyone. Other than that I've been playing Arkham Asylum here and there and I still have to finish Fear 2. I'll be picking up AC:R Tuesday and I should be done for the year.
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Temjin001
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 10:45:46 PM
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I think I'm going to hold off on Skyrim until I'm ready for that long entrenching, amazing, RPG. And having played it some, it's one heck of a game. I'll spend a bit more time with it before it goes back on Tuesday for Halo remake. Plus, I snagged Dragon Age Ultimate some weeks back for $7 for PC. I really wanted to give that game some of my loving before it gets lost beneath the pile. Which reminds me... Lost Odyssey NOOoooO! Suikoden NoooOO! .. perhaps there's still hope for them.
Anyway, I've been a busy bee myself. Loving most of it though. I'm having a blast with 3D modeling and programming. I'm getting to really see how the inner workings of 3D graphics work. I also have a smart teacher who has actually programmed his own ray tracer as part of his Masters in CS. I suspect some many years done the road, maybe decades, ray tracing will become the eventual standard for 3D graphics in gaming.
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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 10:54:49 PM
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Qubex
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 6:49:13 AM
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 10:51:34 PM
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I took the 10 credit I got for Skyrim (which I am getting thoroughly ensconced in) and put it into FFXIII-2. I should be able to get an Amazon gift card with my credit card reward points which I will also apply to it so all told I'll pay $24 for FFXIII-2 when it comes.
Skyrim is pretty amazing, it's familiar and true to the series but also improves a lot, is a bit less needlessly complex, and somehow manages to have a whole different feel than Oblivion. Sadly the PS3 version still has plenty of bothersome bugs and issues, though I've learned to live with them.
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 11/12/2011 10:52:36 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 10:59:35 PM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:10:19 PM
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Shams
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 11:37:59 AM
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Alienange
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 10:57:35 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:00:45 PM
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Excelsior1
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:01:27 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:41:01 PM
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 11/12/2011 11:41:21 PM
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Excelsior1
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 10:34:16 AM
Speaking of the MGS HD collection...that's what I am playing now. I started off with Peacewalker and I absolutely love it. I can see why some MGS fans have reffered to it as MGS5. In a lot of ways it is the deepest MGS title becuase of the RPG aspects that have been blended in.
At the Motherbase you have R&D teams, sickbay, and even a mess hall. You can send units out into the field to gather intelliegence. There is just so much depth to the game. It feels more like a full blown console game rather than a handheld based game.
The Fulton recovery system is one of the coolest things I have ever seen in a videogame. Just slap it on an enemy and POOF!! A baloon instantly whisks him away for a mid-air helicopter recovery. He is then sent back to the Motherbase where you can assign him various tasks according to his skill set. Instant party recruitment. I have even heard Hideo Kojima himself can be recruited.
Anyways, the MGS HD collection is just $50. That's a great value. Now back to playing Peacewalker.
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WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:11:49 PM
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1 up, 1 down
Temjin001
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:34:55 PM
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Qubex
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 6:54:22 AM
After playing UC3, I realised if they just kept on making games of this quality I wouldn't need a new console for another 5 years. My mouth hang open most of the time. I was amazed at the physics and what Cell and Rsx can do together when they tie the knott so well.
Agghh... what a shame. Guess the PS3 version of GTA V could probably have been so much more... I know I shouldn't say this before its release... but one can imagine the cursing going on at RockStar because of what they need to do to squeeze it onto the 360!
Looking forward to it nonetheless...
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
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ZenChichiri
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:30:29 PM
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It was fun. I hope to be able to hit up TGS next year. I hope I have some time to take a ferry over to Japan!
Last edited by ZenChichiri on 11/12/2011 11:31:23 PM
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Condemnedsoul23
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:51:42 PM
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daus26
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:54:57 PM
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Anyway, in GT's case, we have to consider the possibilities of some kind of spin-off or another GT game after GT6 in the PS4's launch window. If GT6 does make it to the ps3 in 2013, then it wouldn't totally be out of realm if there was some kind of other GT, perhaps GT7 Prologue for the PS4's early life. If not, maybe an upgraded version of GT6 with more advanced physics, dynamic weather/time features, polished graphics, and A.I. count.
We have to remember PD's previous attempt at a quick GT release for every PS console. When the PS2 came out, GT3 was successfully made quickly, even when GT2 was release not too long before. When the PS3 launched, they tried GTHD (which was canceled). If the PS4's structure is similar, I'm confident that PD can execute a GT game for it early, as they did with GT3 on the PS2.
I'm confident PD won't make the same mistake again of trying to do too much with the PS4 early in its life, as they did with the PS3. They need to know that they should save some power for a sequel later in the consoles life.
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LegendaryWolfeh
Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 11:56:56 PM
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___________
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 1:29:45 AM
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id have to put my money on ps3.
simply because they spent so much time and money on creating a new engine for the ps3, so there not going to throw all that work away and start again from scratch for the ps4.
you cant afford to create a brand new engine just for one game!
plus not to mention the ps3 has cost $ony a sh*t load of money, so they will want to make back as much as they can before they move on.
and GT is there best selling franchise!
GT6 should not take them that long.
all they have to do is take the premium cars out of GT5, throw them into GT6, add a few new cars.
take the tracks out of GT5 throw them into GT6, add a few new tracks.
that will take the best part of a few months, then spend the next 2 years making a autovista similar system, and improve the damage effects and of course put in some decent car customization options.
should be able to have it out by this time 2013 easy!
as for GTV, me too, me too.
:(
i just hope the same as IV does not happen.
got so excited for it, then played it for a few hours and was so disappointed i wanted to crawl into the attic howl live a wolf for weeks!
please R*, please dont turn this into another oh noooooooooo you cant do that its far too unrealistic game!
why cant you be how you use to be?
the game that said if its fun to hell with whats realistic!
please????????
im having a crysis with skyrim.
its so f*cking frustrating, though for some reason i cant stop playing it!
the beautiful world, and the story, and DRAGONS!!!!!!!
they keep dragging me back!
why oh why did they have to have such a crummy weapon system in there!?
i had to get rid of my turtlebeach headsets today, they have developed some really bad bass rattle and allot of static, especially in skyrim.
every time a dragon breaths fire theres such a loud shriek i have to take them off because it pierces my ears!
took them back and got a refund, so im now trying out the triton pros.
hopefully there a dam side better!
im having really bad luck latley, first the new power A controller i bought kept dropping out had to take that back, and now my turtlebeach headsets!
sigh, things aint built like they use to be!
still got the old motorolla brick my godfather gave me when i was 6.
and she still works like a beaut!
todays phones though, well, lets just say a friend of mine bought the new samsung galaxy S2 last week today he went to the shops with me and had to take it back, faulty battery would not hold a full charge for a few hours!
sigh, can anything released in 2011 work for more then a few hours?
anything!?
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Beamboom
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 4:39:23 AM
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Battlefield 3: Initially I got a bit disappointed with the MP. It was just too bloody hard. It most of all felt like I crashed a party I were not invited to.
But since I have 3 other of my regular coop buddies also playing it nowadays I joined them... And slowly I started getting better, understood the games better and how to play the classes. I still suck hard but now things are looking a lot brighter, and I have renewed enthusiasm. I just *want* to be good in this game.
Skyrim: Just... Wow. This is one game I am happy I did not have to review: I would not have been able to. It's way, way too big for me to ever feel I was ready to write a fair review. This is the first game where truly no players experience can be the same.
From an objective, technical point of view I have never played a more impressive RPG in my life. Simple as that. it's still very much faithful to the fantasy setting and I still don't particularly like that genre, but this game is so much more than a game: It's an experience. I have never seen anything like it. Anyone who call themselves gamers MUST experience this game.
I remain a BioWare fanboy at heart and believe they has the upper hand as storytellers, but oh boy... I take my hat off for Bethesda and hand them the RPG throne. For now.
Just imagine what they will achieve using this engine on the next Fallout, or an entirely new rpg...
Last edited by Beamboom on 11/13/2011 4:56:26 AM
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johnld
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 2:56:22 PM
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The Iron Jedi
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 4:51:07 AM
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I've worked up to Chapter 12 in Uncharted 3, and while it's not (so far) as much of a thrill ride as Uncharted 2, I do find that it's a better fleshed out game, and feels much more expansive.
I looked at the pile of games I have on my shelf, and downloaded onto my PS3 and it's over 100 now. Installing a 1TB WD Hard Drive into the console, was well worth it, but I think how many games I still have to play through and finish.
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johnld
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 3:01:12 PM
Last edited by johnld on 11/13/2011 3:03:13 PM
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dork02840
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 8:17:25 AM
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GamingLegend7
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 9:00:59 AM
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Riku994
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 10:10:55 AM
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Shams
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 11:14:41 AM
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And beside the difficulty found in the gameplay, the humor in the games character banter and in the cutscenes often contained children-geared content, but more often than not, interlaced with adult-themed innuendo more so than what would be considered appropriate to a Disney flick ("She was taking a memo!").
So I've found, although there is much appeal to be found for kids, this isn't purely a kiddie game, as always has been the case with the Ratchet franchise.
And the visuals are truly impressive. Although I did not have the privilege to experience the 3D side of things, which I hear is so far is best in the business allegedely proving more effective than even KZ3 or Motorstorm:Apocalypse, as the game has scaled the framerate back from 60fps to 30fps, the visuals have been given a boost adding a whole new bunch of post-processing effects in addition to 3D, often giving the in game graphics a CGI appearance moreso than before. Moreover, it becomes clear to what extent Sony studios collaborate even with 2nd and 3rd party studios. A number of notable techniques used in Uncharted 3, for example, were surprisingly implemented in All 4 One. One in particular was a technique often used in film-making. When a scene required background much larger than the confines of a movie set could afford, set designers would use panoramic billboards with painted images to expand the scale of the perceived background. In Uncharted and RAtchet, the same technique is used by using 2d panoramic images of far out skylines, cityscapes, and mountaintops, to enhance the perceived draw distance, that are swapped out with actual polygon models as one draws nearer and nearer. This enhances draw distance while saving on resources such as ram and processing. Very clever stuff.
All in all, this year has proved the best this generation. With the likes of inFamous 2, KZ3, R3, Uncharted 3, Crysis 3, MW3, BF3, R&C:All 4 One, LBP2, MotorStorm Apocalypse, GT5, LA Noire, Skyrim, Dark Souls, Arkham City, SR3, and AC: Revelations, there is something for everyone, and I am and will be enjoying it all. Although, I must say, I'll be playing a couple of these entries on my gaming laptop. After seeing Fallout 3 on ultra settings running at well over 60 fps, with full AA and HDR, I don't think I could tolerate Skyrim on the consoles.
Last edited by Shams on 11/13/2011 11:17:19 AM
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Shams
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 11:15:57 AM
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Beamboom
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 12:29:26 PM
I feel bad for Ratchet & Clank. I love those two. It's just... This autumn they will just *have* to wait until a pricedrop before I pick it up. I don't have capacity for all these full priced games.
I will get it though!
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Shams
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 12:43:46 PM
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sirbob6
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 9:14:05 PM
My only complaint would be the graphics. They have their high points but they don't seem quite as refined as I'd want. Then again since it is the new studio's first outing I sort of expected this.
On a side note Insomniac is does collaborate with 1st party devs, but it was mainly with GG and and not ND.
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JDC80
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 12:02:12 PM
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PGU: Finished off NBA 2k11 finally NHL 11 is next Red Wings vs Rangers for the Stanley Cup. Got a pleasant surprised yesterday I got Uncharted 3 in the mail.
Just waiting for GF to ship Assassin's Creed:Revelations was going to get Saints Row the third but I've been looking more forward to Revelations than Saints Row.
Finally Holiday wrap up: I managed to get myself Mass Effect 2(still got trophies to get) and Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare for 20 bucks each when I put my family Christmas gifts on layaway.
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blaqsmyth
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 1:13:02 PM
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2 up, 1 down
johnld
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 2:44:53 PM
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as for gta, was never into the game. i tried it and just wasnt drawn in.
PGU: right now, i'm working on battlefield 3 online. getting my helicopter and jet upgraded, almost used to the controls. im also working on uncharted 3 crushing mode, already in chapter 15. havent played online yet since i already played it till level 35 with the subway promo. still got resistance 3 waiting on my shelf unopened.
if any of you guys are going to do that black friday. best buy will have assassin's creed revelation for 34 at 12:01 am friday. walmart will have batman ac, battlefield 3, and uncharted 3 for 30 thursday before black friday at 10pm.
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sirbob6
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 4:17:46 PM
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In the meantime I am playing Warhammer 40k dawn of war II on my PC. Imperial guard FTW!
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Snaaaake
Sunday, November 13, 2011 @ 7:08:40 PM
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maxpontiac
Monday, November 14, 2011 @ 3:52:18 PM
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FullmetalX10
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Saturday, November 12, 2011 @ 9:17:23 PM
pgu: I've finished Uncharted 3's campaign last week and since then it's been homework and more homework.
I'm about to go to bed, but I have a boxed copy of Skyrim still lying at the edge of my desk, staring at my face.
Though since I promised myself I would leave it there until my homework is done I'll go ahead and leave it there for another day. Even though it's been two days already.
Damn last weeks of the period, always crunch time when all the great games come out...
Studying Game Design and I don't even have the time to play games -_-
Last edited by FullmetalX10 on 11/12/2011 9:19:30 PM