Ben's Week In Review: February 17
View Large ImageSo I guess there's going to be some big news this week. ...and I'm not sure I'm ready for it.
Anybody get all teary-eyed at that PlayStation homage video?
Sony may be setting up the PlayStation 4 announcement with a look back at the brand, as evidenced by that new promotional video. It's a little depressing that I was a junior in high school by the time the original PlayStation launched but hey, time flies. And that video brought back a ton of memories.
You know how there are times when you always remember the first time you see a game? I still remember the first time I saw Gran Turismo, for example, and the first time I saw that introductory sequence in Final Fantasy VII. Those things really stick with you. But beyond that, I also have snapshot memories of playing many of the games on display there; I remember joyfully hopping and spinning in Crash Bandicoot, I remember grappling like crazy in Jet Moto, I remember blowing up the Eiffel Tower in Twisted Metal 2, and I remember the first RPGs (which weren't shown, but whatever); Suikoden, Wild ARMs and Tales of Destiny were the first.
And that video brought it all back. I even remember having one of those promotional video tapes for the PlayStation; I forget how I got it but it was called "Are you hungry?" and featured a bunch of games, including Wipeout and Dragon's Lair (I think). So now that I'm looking back at all this, my anticipation for the new console is a little higher. But the bottom line is that this industry has changed so much...for someone who doesn't give two sh*** about multiplayer, social media, and touchscreen controls, the future appears less appealing than the past.
Just admit it, Sony, The Last Guardian has gone next-gen
Fumito Ueda says we should "keep an eye out" for upcoming information concerning The Last Guardian. I find the timing of this tease interesting, as it showed up the week before Sony is scheduled to - almost undoubtedly - reveal the PlayStation 4. Look, we've heard about nothing besides major developmental difficulties combined with Sony's apparent staunch commitment to the project. So at this point, if the game is at least a year away (if not more), which seems likely, how could it not be a PS4 title by now? And it would make perfect sense, too. Maybe the reason we've heard very little recently is because the team has shifted to focusing on a new console. The last internal update I remember claimed they hadn't even started on basics like standard control and gameplay, which tells me they really weren't too far along in the first place.
So at some point, Sony really just has to say, "Okay, that's it. By the time you're finally ready to produce this game, we'll be at least a year into the lifespan of the PS4." It definitely wouldn't be the first time a highly anticipated title got pushed over generational boundaries.
Personal gaming update
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time is lots of fun and in some ways, it's even more fun on the Vita. I wanted Aliens: Colonial Marines to be decent but unfortunately, that travesty of a game didn't deserve to stay within the confines of my house. I just can't understand how Sega didn't see that coming a mile away. Take one look at that game and you know it's junk; anybody would. So why bother? What, just trying to recoup losses incurred by over six years of wasted development time? Maybe, but you won't even come close to making your money back on this one, I don't think. I just don't understand why we're not allowed to have a solid and entertaining Aliens game. I feel so bad for fans of the movies.
This week is pretty big- Crysis 3 and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. I'm expecting both to be fantastic, so here's hoping...
2/16/2013 Ben Dutka
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Comments (59 posts)
Knightzane
Saturday, February 16, 2013 @ 11:22:07 PM
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I did it. I played FFX today. Man that game is created by nothing but addictive fun. I don't think any RPG has made grinding so much fun. I find myself grinding half the time just because its fun. (well the same can be said for FFT. Damn red chocobos...)
PGU: working on just cause 2 again. Need to at least finish all the side missions. I've also started playing payday the heist again. Really love the way the game plays. Nice community on there too. I've also been looking for someone, anyone, to play borderlands 1 with me. I want to finish the story before i buy the second one. (i never beat it cause back when it was on sale with all dlc for 20$ i spent the entire time on the dlc. I dont think DLC has ever been so well made before. It was nothing but fun.)
Will be playing FFX again. Thinking about actually using kimahri for the first time.
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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:53:48 AM
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Akuma07
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 9:59:37 PM
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Temjin001
Saturday, February 16, 2013 @ 11:30:06 PM
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Here's hoping for the best.
PGU: It's been NGS Plus and DOA5 for me this week. I've wanted to give more time to Uncharted GA but once NG sinks it's teeth in me, even after having played it a dozen times or more, I just can't get enough.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 2/16/2013 11:30:31 PM
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BikerSaint
Saturday, February 16, 2013 @ 11:37:05 PM
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I didn't want to go off topic & maybe winding up unintentionally hijacking this thread, so I've posted my "Good Byes" to all on this link at the forum instead.
Saint
http://www.psxextremeforums.com/off-topic-forum/13481-i-just-wanted-say-so-long-while-im-still-able-too.html
Last edited by BikerSaint on 2/16/2013 11:38:24 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:06:23 AM
8 up, 0 down
bigrailer19
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:26:46 AM
I wish you all the luck Brotha. You certainly deserve it. Your presence here is best described as helpful and compassionate towards the site, readers and topics and you deserve the same in return, in my mind. I hope we all see you back here soon and in normal fashion.
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Beamboom
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:59:02 AM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:59:16 AM
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homura
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 1:37:46 AM
I know you'll keep on rockin'. And I'll ask God to help you with your troubles and health concerns. We will certainly look forward in reading your future comments and news tips. Wishing you all the luck. God Bless. Rock On! and see you soon.
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FatherSun
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 2:46:54 AM
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Shams
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 3:27:01 AM
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Killa Tequilla
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 3:56:36 AM
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cLoudou
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 8:02:46 AM
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tes37
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 8:39:32 AM
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xenris
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 10:50:19 AM
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Karosso
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 11:12:03 AM
This words comes to mind...
"Is this the world we created
we made it on our own
Is this the world we devastated
Right to the bone?
If there's a God in the sky looking down
What can he think of what we've done
To the world that he created"
"Is This The World We Created?" By Queen
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Teddie9
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 11:36:33 AM
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BigT_1980
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 1:41:55 PM
It would be nice to see how strong our community really is.
Last edited by BigT_1980 on 2/17/2013 1:43:51 PM
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Underdog15
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 3:24:34 PM
:'(
Always a pleasure to have a many of your experience here at the site. I take pride in knowing someone from your demographic is a part of this community.
I hope to see you around real soon!
All the best, friend.
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Ludicrous_Liam
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 4:30:32 PM
I really don't think I'd be happy browsing this site, knowing Saint is in this situation. I'd be among the first to chip in.
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Axe99
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 5:25:36 PM
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clockwyzebkny
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 7:45:36 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 8:53:46 PM
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BikerSaint
Monday, February 18, 2013 @ 1:37:15 AM
And I gotta say that I haven't done that since I was way back in the Prehistoric Age of Kindergarten.
Anyway, I just wanted to express my thanks to everyone for their best wishes. I'm just hoping for a miracle that will turn everything...and quickly.
Hey, I just spend the last three dollars I owned on 1 Powerball & 1 MegaMillions jackpot lotto tickets.
so who knows, as I sure as heck can't buy anything much else that can save my arse for only $3, at least I have a couple days more of hope left.
So I figure that in the daytime I can use the library's computers to do some of my internet, to help in continuing to try fining another job, & to also keep on reading at PSXE.
But since the library only limits their computers to a 1 hour time-limits, I won't be able to keep the news-tips coming in....or continue on my forum thread to find you guys & gals good deals on games.
Hmmm, maybe I can do an hour net time, then go read a good book & then hopefully be allowed to use the computer for another hour increment, & then keep on doing it like that all day till they close up. And at least I'll be doing something positive, and the added bonus will be that I'll also out of those cold nasty winter weather elements, lol.
And if all else fails & I am evicted, I certainly won't let my homelessness stop me from gaming either, cause I've just charged up my PSP tonight, and packed 100 games into 8-game multi cases, & I've got my trusty PSP car charger cable all ready to go.
BTW, Beamboom & Sir Shak,
I answered you both over in the forum.
Last edited by BikerSaint on 2/18/2013 1:39:38 AM
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bigrailer19
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:10:49 AM
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With all that said, I'm excited and more than ready for the next gen consoles, but im not certain I'm excited about all the little things that really dont need to be there, like Social Media stuff.
PGU: DS3 for the most part. I cant believe how lengtht the game is. Last night when my buddy and I continued our campaign, we were 51% through and just over 11 hours of play time. The first two I had completed before 12 hours so...
The game is awesome. Dont care what anyone says. Chances are if you're a DS fan you'll enjoy the game. Some reviews made good points but the bitterness of the inclusion of action elements was an obvious reason for low scores.
Im still dabbling with BL2, but Its so hard to get into the game without a level increase.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 2/17/2013 12:12:26 AM
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NaughtyDog
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:16:05 AM
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dmiitrie
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:43:59 AM
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PGU: FINALLY, I'm getting around to playing Heavy Rain and I can definitely see what all the fuss is about. While I generally consider myself the type of gamer who desires top notch gameplay first and foremost and considers everything else nice bonuses but not necessarily essential, I'm loving the hell out of this despite gameplay obviously not being a priority (however, f*** Six Axis). So far it's only drawback is that it can be a little too intense at times. After playing it for awhile, I find myself needing to take a break until I can recharge myself.
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Wrote
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:54:05 AM
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PGU: Just platinumed Ni No Kuni! Damn was it time consuming but totally worth it due to how much I adore the game. Its my 5th plat, the other 4 I got because they were within reach after regular playing but NNK is the first I've platinumed because I just really like the game. I just borrowed tales of graces f from a friend, I've never played a tales but I'm sure I'll be fine.
~wrote
Last edited by Wrote on 2/17/2013 12:55:47 AM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 1:00:56 AM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 1:07:16 AM
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I lost my kitty to kidney failure this week and have been very lonely and brokenhearted. It isn't the same playing a game in my recliner without her curled up on my lap.
Games keep falling into my lap for $15, so now I've got Prototype 2 and Darksiders II on top of Ninja Gaiden 3 and Warfighter. I have no time to play em either so my PS4 purchase could be put off for some time. I had to try a little Darksiders II and it's just amazing. I hope VIGIL survives the death of THQ to make more games.
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FatherSun
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 2:54:20 AM
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cLoudou
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 8:05:55 AM
Anyways I think the Darksiders franchise is done. 2 didn't do well enough to justify the series continuing despite how good it was.
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Beamboom
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:16:00 PM
I've grown up with dogs and currently own a cute Cocker Spaniel. She's three years old now so she'll be around for a lot more years, but I am already dreadful for when the time comes when her days are over.
If I were to give any advice, it would be to get a new cat as soon as possible.
It may sound insensitive now, but it is amazing how much salvation it is in getting a new pet. Your focus shifts, and life can go on again.
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/18/2013 4:40:04 AM
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Beamboom
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:16:58 PM
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/17/2013 12:17:23 PM
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xenris
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:31:16 PM
I hope they survive as well, I really want them to make a sequel and push the story forward to the end war :)
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Underdog15
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 3:28:46 PM
My PS4 decision is yet to be determined. I know there will be games worth playing, but that doesn't mean it makes it a must buy immediately for me. Backlog might keep me happy just fine, as well.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 8:54:54 PM
Beamboom: LOL Believe it or not, the "www" part of "Awww" in your post, because it must've detected a link.
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___________
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 3:03:38 AM
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just reminded me how much this generation has generally SUCKED!
ps1 and ps2 had so many revolutionary games on them, ps3 though i could count the number of revolutionary games on a single hand!
if anything the recent comments about it lean towards it being a ps3 title.
yea the timings a little coincidental, but maybe he did that on purpose?
if it was a ps4 title they wouldent be talking about it anytime soon, i just cant see it being ready so early in the systems life cycle.
if it was id be a godsend, because if theres one game that will help push the system off the shelf its this!
both rising and crysis have started getting reviews through, in the 9s which is good to see.
i just hope nvidia have SLI profiles raring to go, one thing i HATE about PC gaming!
every single time a game comes out its unplayable for months because theres no SLI profile!
dead space 3 perfect example, over a month old and theres still no SLI profile for it!
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OverBerg
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 4:41:23 AM
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Would you please elaborate on how Sly Cooper is a little more fun on the Vita?
Haven't played it yet, but just want to understand the differences between the two platforms...
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Excelsior1
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 10:38:40 AM
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Yes, very fond memories of the PS1/PS2 era especially. This gen was good but there were definitely some points when it was hard to be a Sony fan here in NA. I truely hope Sony does better here next gen so things don't feel so Xbox centric again in NA.
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xenris
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 10:57:36 AM
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I think the most disappointing part about the Aliens game was that the Pre-Alpha footage shown up before the release of the game looked better than the actual game. It was kind of what happened with WKC when we first saw that amazing trailer for it when it was revealed. At any rate it would seem that AVP2 for the PC that game that released like 12 years ago is still the best aliens game I have played :\ I don't get why they can't get it right.
Still playing NNK and have put in about 45 hours? I have laid off on the game because I want it to last a bit longer because I'm enjoying it so much. It just keeps on giving, its one of those games that surprises you with what it asks you to do, whether it is dungeons, the errands or or side missions everything just feels well thought out. I rarely feel like anything is redundant or repetitive.
Also I found a monster that gives you 9000xp for killing it...soooo leveling up my familiars just because a whole lot more exciting for me. FYI go to Billy goats bluff which is the path heading up to Perida. Look for the cats with wings, and usually they have these totoro looking dudes with them, anyway they try and run right away so smack em down fast, or confuse them or petrify them or whatever you have to do to kill them quick.
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Beamboom
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:28:07 PM
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My playing around with a game engine continues!
In the PGU last week I cried my eyes out (well not really) over the need of a 3D designer to create the objects in my game world. I have started to consider if I just as well should look into a 3D modelling software myself, Blender, and learn the basics.
But this week I have been looking into creating landscapes. That is a different approach than creating objects, and from my perspective it's a lot more fun (suits my skills better).
On a basic level you can hand-code the landscape with pure code (as opposed to using a 3D tool), and it simply is *amazingly* fun to first write code to describe the landscape and then run the program and take a virtual stroll through the stuff you just wrote. So I haven't done more than that for the entire week. :D
I feel completely like a kid with a new toy again. This is shaping to be one of my personal programming milestones. The before/after moment.
Also it's fantastic fun simply cause it gives such a tremendous new insight in how things actually works. All of a sudden you watch the games you play with different eyes, almost like in The Matrix when Neo starts to "see the code". :)
If you got some basic programming skills I really, really recommend you to play around with a game engine. It'll give you insight you just *thought* you had before.
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/17/2013 1:12:11 PM
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xenris
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:34:05 PM
I haven't really learned much except from what he has shown me and explained, but still he is really doing well and I hope to start learning more about it soon.
It must be really satisfying to make something and then play in it :) Kind of like when you make an animation in flash and it turns out amazing. Its hard work but so satisfying.
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Beamboom
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 1:57:23 PM
It really is fun to create stuff with our own hands instead of just enjoying others work - even when your own work isn't even 1/10th of what the big guys do. :)
But really, I can't stress enough that it really is not that hard to implement these engines in your work once you know the language you write in. I mean, to really squeeze everything out of the engines obviously takes a lot of hard work and experience, but to begin using them and produce stuff that works really is not that high a threshold.
And hey, if you guys ever get into 3D modelling I really am looking for someone to cooperate with. Just sayin'. ;)
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/17/2013 2:03:42 PM
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Ludicrous_Liam
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 4:44:48 PM
I have no experiance making 3D objects/landscapes so I'm not your saviour lol, but I would like to have a go at it; I really enjoy making games in LBP in it's psuedo-3d style.
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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 6:25:23 PM
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Beamboom
Monday, February 18, 2013 @ 4:10:23 AM
Get someone to design the game objects and rules, and I'll join your team. :)
@Ludicrous:
To make a 3D model you use a 3D modelling tool. Those tools are "normal windows programs", you don't need programming skills to design 3D models. Just like drawing tools, photo editing tools etc, you got 3D modelling tools.
If you want to look into 3D modelling, give "Blender" a try. It's an open-source, free software solution that really can do amazing things. But a fair word of warning: Those tools are *advanced*. Grab some tutorials right away - you'll need'em. :)
In those programs you design the shape, texture and skeleton of your 3D objects.
Then the model is imported into your game project. That's where the programmer takes over, he insert your model into the game world and brings it to life, by using a 3D engine. So a 3D engine only displays what you have modelled in another tool.
That is the essence of the workflow.
So to your question: How good something looks depends on both the graphic designers (who creates the models), the programmers and the engine. I would say you get very, very far with good designs and code.
Nothing is "super easy" or everyone would have done it. But like in every other creative arts in the world, the main factor for something to be super good is the human skill. If you are good enough the end result *will* be good.
To make the game *really* shine you need a high end, professional engine and tools. But in order to learn programming and game design, it really does not matter what engine you work on, cause afaik they all follow the same fundamental principles.
And if you guys are good the result will be pretty good. There's plenty indie games out there who looks and plays fantastic even though it is made in a rather simple framework.
What's incredibly important is the documentation and tools. Poorly documented technology or technology with poor developer tools are next to worthless - you spend far, far too much time getting anywhere at all.
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/18/2013 5:22:23 AM
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Excelsior1
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 12:32:08 PM
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1 up, 3 down
bigrailer19
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 2:36:22 PM
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Ludicrous_Liam
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 4:39:09 PM
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Alejandro562
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 1:00:39 PM
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Teddie9
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 3:44:59 PM
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PGU: smb on N64, otherwise I've just been quite anxious to see the verdict on Rising. Oh, and I played a little bit of Okami HD when I was home a couple weeks ago.
Last edited by Teddie9 on 2/17/2013 3:45:46 PM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 5:48:08 PM
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Excelsior1
Sunday, February 17, 2013 @ 7:21:55 PM
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Gordo
Reply
Saturday, February 16, 2013 @ 11:09:47 PM
If the Vita is integrated with the PS4 that would be excellent. Ready for an explosion of next gen goodness!