Ben's Week In Review: March 25
80+ degrees in March is ridiculous. Just had to say that.
Cross-game promotion is cool, Rockstar, but...
For the record, I say the idea of creating "crews" in Max Payne 3 and being able to use them in GTAV multiplayer is wicked cool. It might actually entice me to go online with those games. But I want to make one thing perfectly clear, Rockstar:
You had best not gimp either game for the sake of the all-powerful multiplayer. I'm fine with creating the deepest, funnest multiplayer imaginable for both titles, provided it doesn't in any way impact the campaign experiences. Max Payne and Grand Theft Auto have been defined by their unbelievably memorable single-player adventures in the past and if that changes because of all the kiddies who play nothing but multiplayer, I'm gonna be pissed.
By the way, I'm fine with GTAV coming out early next year. People might say there aren't enough huge games coming out this year but honestly, that just means you're spoiled. The last few years have been so jam-packed with insanely huge titles that we're always expecting bigger and better each and every year. Really, I'm okay with what we've got coming. Bioshock Infinite tops my list right now.
Whatcha makin', Square Enix?
I'm almost certain I'm going to be disappointed - hate to be cynical but they routinely disappoint me with new game announcements - but I'm trying to be hopeful. Square Enix is teasing a secret game and based on what I see, I'm definitely reminded of Final Fantasy Tactics. And if they really are doing a true sequel for the Vita or something, I'll be very, very happy. But of course, that won't happen, will it? No, it'll be some watered-down half-RPG nonsense for the 3DS or worse, iOS or some such crap. It certainly isn't Final Fantasy XIII-3 or Versus XIII; that trailer doesn't make me thing "big-budget blockbuster," so maybe I should be more worried. Actually, in some ways, it almost made me think of Suikoden...
This generation isn't over yet. Square Enix could still surprise everyone. Or they could just sink further into the mire while vainly attempting to turn themselves into Activision. ...sadly, I think the latter if far more likely than redemption, if recent history is any guide.
Personal gaming update
Been way too busy for much in the way of personal gaming, although I do like going through Journey every now and then, and with little time, the Vita tends to get some love. Still playing Hot Shots Golf, Wipeout 2048, and even a little Michael Jackson: The Experience HD. Beyond that, I just have to keep cranking on reviews; the last few were just really disheartening. Ninja Gaiden 3 was well below average (and way below expectations), and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City was just mind-numbingly boring and yeah, not very good at all.
I do have Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention to look at for the Vita, and I still want to review Ridge Racer as well. I also have Armored Core V sitting here, which is a big surprise; I didn't even know it was coming out. Never even knew a fifth title was coming until I saw it in the mail. But anyway, stay tuned for our upcoming "So You Think You Can Review Video Games" ongoing feature segment...
3/24/2012 Ben Dutka
Put this on your webpage or blog:
Email this to a friend
Follow PSX Extreme on Twitter
Comments (47 posts)
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:03:44 PM
GTAIV came out nearly four years ago; development began back in the PS2 era. RDR was a 5+ year dev cycle. So I don't think that means anything.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 3/24/2012 10:04:32 PM
frostface
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:17:00 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:31:35 PM
frostface
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:35:11 PM
Temjin001
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:04:37 PM
Reply
Anyway, it;s been a really emotional week for me and gaming. I just can't believe how struggled Team Ninja was to get NG3 done. It really seems way below their standards, even for the reformed team. It gets progressively worse after the Airship boss at the end of the.. 2nd Day?. Up until then, it may of had several issues, but it was far from aweful. And, really, at that point I was like it's not nearly a 3 or 5 or such non-sense. And critics just aren't giving it a chance, and the game does, at any time you desire, allow you to switch your "Play Style" from the pause menu to HARD, desolving the #1 complaint of near-every critique I've read. Also, reading statements like, oh, it recycles bosses 2 or 3 times just perplexed me more. Every prior NG has you fighting nigh every boss at least 2 times, and sometimes 3x(Sloth boss, Tentacle boss). How is that now so terrible? Anyway, while I think there were quite a few cheap shots to the nuts some critics pulled, the overall consensus is ultimately right on target. The levels start going way down hill. Graphics become terribly bland. Like seriously, some textures are bad for even PS2, like that snow cave. goodnight! The camera never gets better. and that tree boss. oh my heck. how the heck did they let that out the gate? And what was with Ryu's pleasure stroll through Hayabusa village making friendly with the locales? What is this? I wannabe Uncharted now? Everything started to make sense. Yeah, this ain't right. There's a tangled nest of problems here that should've been fixed before ever leaving out the gate. Being on day 7 now I can respect any 5-7 as a score. 7 being generous, 6 being fair, and 5 being just a bit harsh. But one way or another, the game should be approached very cautiously and I assume the worst for Tecmo-Koei consequently.I think NG3 has most dissapointing game of the year wrapped up with a neat little bow on top.
Jawknee
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:14:25 PM
Temjin001
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 9:42:27 AM
But if it plays and looks like a $18 game, it becomes worth it right?
This sort of game may be signaling a publisher's faith in investing deeper production values into the mobile market.
Anyway, this trailer looks pretty awesome.
It has HIghlander written all over it. But it's iOS so it sucks =p
Qubex
Monday, March 26, 2012 @ 12:16:26 AM
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
SolidFantasy
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:17:05 PM
Reply
I tried the hair dryer trick twice and no such luck. I'm looking over what my other options are and none of them seem to easy. Might go for a home fix, but I hate waiting for the tools and parts to arrive.
I just want my precious back!!!
Any tips?
Jawknee
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:23:20 PM
SoulController
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:27:41 PM
Last edited by SoulController on 3/24/2012 10:29:14 PM
Metal Head
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:35:55 PM
Jawknee
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:39:18 PM
SolidFantasy
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 7:18:37 AM
Bugzbunny109
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 12:50:11 PM
SolidFantasy
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 2:03:00 PM
BikerSaint
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 2:11:54 PM
I have a GameStop refurbed 60GB that I've turned into a 750GB unit & I've had no problems with it.
60GB PS3
http://www.gamestop.com/ps3/consoles/playstation-3-60gb-gamestop-refurbished/64006
Lawless SXE
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:19:59 PM
Reply
For me, this past week has been dominated by the state elections and all I can say is thank goodness that it's over. Maybe with a new party in charge we'll see some positive changes, but I somehow doubt it. More interesting to me is that the R18+ rating has finally passed through the House of Representatives here, which means that we're all but guaranteed to see it put into effect at the beginning of next year. No more need for censorship and so on, it'll be brilliant.
Don't really know what else to say right now. I just want to find something to inspire me and get me moving again, but I think that working eight shifts a week and sleeping six hours (or less) every night is starting to take a real toll on me. Eh, complaints for another place.
Peace.
Lawless SXE
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 4:10:56 AM
SoulController
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:21:48 PM
Reply
I just really dont understand why Squeenix & Crapcom dont get it. Drop everything and just listen to the fans..please! Otherwise you'll keep losing money.
PGU: I have to gloat about this because I'm super proud and it took me 200+ hrs and about 4 months of on and off grinding but I platinumed Dark Soul's this week. I think this will be the last platinum trophy I get for a while or at least tons of grinding to get one. I guess now I can live up to the name of my psn id Soulcontroller
Jawknee
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:22:05 PM
Reply
PGU: My sister bought me SFxT because she's an awesome sister. It's okay. I prefer SSFIV. Plus knowing Crapcom locked a ton off content out that's already on the disc makes it hard to enjoy. Also the game feels unfinished. Theres a terrible audio glitch when playing online and you cant even select Cole or the other two PS3 exclusive characters in Arcade mode. Not to mention MegaMan is pretty much worthless as he only has four moves. Other than that I'm still playing MGS3D and I just got Kid Icarus Uprising. Haven't really started it yet. I did start the Kid Icarus 3D Classic I got for free from the eShop for preordering Uprising.
Last edited by Jawknee on 3/24/2012 10:28:44 PM
Metal Head
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 10:26:17 PM
Reply
Palpatations911
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 3:59:33 AM
I hope it is as frightening as people say because the only game on current gen consoles that has frightened me was Heavy Rain - Specifically the scene where you have to select which "tool" to use on yourself!
Killa Tequilla
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 11:59:42 PM
Reply
Fane1024
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 12:39:39 AM
Reply
PGU: Mass Effect 2...over 70 hours worth so far. Everything else has taken a back seat this month. The DLC missions haven't been quite as good as the others, but I love love love the game. Absolutely fantastic writing: I've laughed out loud playing ME2 more than any other game ever.
Beamboom
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 6:10:11 AM
I love the writing in these games too. Practically every single conversation is a treat. And how just a seemingly simple basic mission might turn out to hold a surprising twist or a differnt finish than expected... It just never gets old!
I'm playing ME3 now, and just meeting the ME2 characters again is SUCH a treat. Made me realize how much I really love the gallery of characters in ME2.
Last edited by Beamboom on 3/25/2012 6:12:22 AM
aaronisbla
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 6:34:24 AM
Fane1024
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 7:59:03 PM
JDC80
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 1:37:14 AM
Reply
Playing Ninja Gaiden 3 I like it but I'm not really going to rave about it, if I had to give it a grade I would probably give it a C-. For effort and trying to give Ryu a story.
Once I'm done with both games I'm going to replay both before shipping them back before Prototype 2 comes out.
___________
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 3:47:40 AM
aaronisbla
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 6:33:21 AM
Beamboom
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 10:32:44 AM
Last edited by Beamboom on 3/25/2012 10:33:55 AM
JDC80
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 1:37:14 AM
Reply
Playing Ninja Gaiden 3 I like it but I'm not really going to rave about it, if I had to give it a grade I would probably give it a C-. For effort and trying to give Ryu a story.
Once I'm done with both games I'm going to replay both before shipping them back before Prototype 2 comes out.
___________
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 3:46:46 AM
Reply
however i just hope GTAV lives up to its name, goes back to its roots and has NOTHING to do with GTAIV!
or should i say taxi driver bore me to hell simulator.
as for max payne 3 bring it on its looking f*cking awesome!
i was a bit skeptical them replacing remedy, then the bald max and san palo came out i was really worried.
then the release date passed, and again, and again, took so long to get a word out of them i was convinced it was canned!
but now we finally have a release date, hopefully it will hit it this time!
looks f*cking awesome, all i can say is god help you if you delay it AGAIN R*!
god help you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
logically id bet its something to do with the 3DS.
i dunno what it is with $E lately but all their best games are on handhelds.
all the kingdom hearts games for instance, i would of killed to see birth by sleep on the ps3!
oh well whatever it is i just hope its something you would expect to come from them.
not another FFXIII, a japanese game trying to be western.
nothing worse then a fake!
cant believe im saying this, march is always a massive hectic month!
but im bored sh*tless!
ME3 was a MASSIVE disappointment!
i was expecting to play through it again to experience other decisions and stories but it disappointed me so much it killed every desire i had in it!
then NG3 sucked donkey balls, and resident evil, and twisted metal was not what i had hoped it to be.
neither was J&D.
i thought the series was like R&C a platformer, but its not every single god dam level in jack 3 at least is a racing game!
god, i wanted to play a platformer not gran turismo!
sitting here waiting for the DMC HD collection to come out, hopefully that will tide me over till MP3 came out.
i have to be honest so far this year has been a MASSIVE disappointment for games!
every game that was suppose to be a big GOTY contender has been pretty meh.
everythings been pretty meh!
i know its only the 3rd month of the year but normally we have heaps of GOTY contenders by now.
all we have so far are disappointment of the century contenders!
come on guys, WTFs going on!?
JackC8
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 7:29:16 AM
Reply
TheAgingHipster
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 8:16:43 AM
Reply
I'm sure this is all old news to you, being an industry writer, but I just felt like defending the iOS systems a bit. No, they're not up to console quality standards, but some of the titles even give my beloved Vita a run for its money.
Last edited by TheAgingHipster on 3/25/2012 8:18:23 AM
Beamboom
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 10:37:13 AM
As for me I root for the Android side. Google should not be underestimated either. Plus, Android is COOLER! ;)
Last edited by Beamboom on 3/25/2012 10:39:40 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 7:22:28 PM
And I'm sorry, I really don't care how advanced it gets...without BUTTONS, I will never care much. There's only so much you can do with a touchscreen and that tech is far more prone to screw-ups right now. A button remains the only 100% precise method of implementing control.
Qubex
Monday, March 26, 2012 @ 12:21:50 AM
Quad core phones are only a few months away. Samsung will stuff a Tegra3 Quad Core in their next line of Sammy phones and tablets. My Asus Transformer Prime rocks at the moment, but admittedly, I have not bought games for it... only tinkered with the free stuff...
It will all continue to progress and we will simply have more choice across all our devices in the coming months and years. That's good...
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
Twistedfloyd
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 2:13:47 PM
Reply
At least I hope not. That's what they said about George Lucas before... you know....
WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 4:31:50 PM
Reply
JLB1
Sunday, March 25, 2012 @ 8:50:54 PM
Reply
My gaming update, just ordered Dark Souls online, I expect it to come in soon. Hopefully I enjoy it, so I'm going in with an open mind.
Also, what's this about "You think you can review" segment? Am I missing something?
SirLoin of Beef
Monday, March 26, 2012 @ 10:45:22 AM
Reply
I'm also finding that The Old Republic has begun taking away more of my free time again.

View Large Image









frostface
Reply
Saturday, March 24, 2012 @ 9:26:04 PM