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Ben’s Week In Review: September 14

Games, games, everywhere! As if I'm going to complain about something like that. ANYwho…

Don't forget Wipeout just because it's downloadable

Does anyone recall the sensation generated by the first couple of Wipeout games back on the original PlayStation? I do. A friend of mine and I couldn't believe just how accomplished those titles were; even back then, the gameplay was smooth as silk and the speed was outrageously fast. I still believe Wipeout XL is one of the best games on the PS1, which is why I'm thoroughly psyched for the upcoming Wipeout HD . I recently spoke with an SCEA member who has been playing it on his debug unit in preparation for a press event (guess he'll be unveiling it), and he says it rocks. He wasn't prepared to issue a price and release date, but he would say it's coming "soon" and for a "bargain" price. Now, just because it's a downloadable title doesn't mean you should pass this up; not only will it be very cheap in comparison to new games at GameStop, but it should also be excellent. In fact, it could be one of the better releases of the year!

I always thought the name was iffy, though…I mean, who's going to notice that? Won't everyone just believe it's a simple ol' remake with updated visuals? I still think it should have a whole new name, but whatever; I'm still going to get it, and my expectations really couldn't be higher.

PS3 holiday lineup = next-gen goodness

This is probably the first year where one could make the argument that the PlayStation 3 has the best software lineup heading into the holidays. SCEA's Jack Tretton couldn't help but remind consumers that their lineup may be unparalleled: Resistance 2 , LittleBigPlanet , Bioshock , SOCOM: Confrontation , MotorStorm: Pacific Rift , and more…and that's only exclusive titles we're talking about. These days, we probably shouldn't have to worry about piss-poor ports – developers have become more comfortable with the intricate PS3 hardware – and this is why gamers shouldn't have to opt for the 360 versions of games like Far Cry 2 , Prince of Persia , Dead Space , Mirror's Edge , and Call of Duty: World at War . Furthermore, given the still-relevant aspects regarding Blu-Ray, the free Network, better reliability, the much lower price (in comparison to launch prices), etc., retailers shouldn't have any trouble selling PS3s this holiday season.

Of course, I know a whole lot of GameStop employees are major Xbots these days, but that's okay. Does anyone actually listen to anything those bag stuffers say?

Personal gaming update

As some of you already know, I've finished Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots , and I was mighty happy with the experience. Seriously, I thought maybe Arnold and I would have a long discussion regarding Game of the Year ( Grand Theft Auto IV is the main competition, of course), but unless Resistance 2 or LittleBigPlanet are drop-dead amazing…well, there won't be much of a discussion. Anyway, as I wait for Wipeout HD , I've decided to pick up Yakuza 2 this week. I really liked the original quite a bit, we need a review for it, and I need a new game to play. For a good dose of comedy, I traded in the 360 version of Bioshock for Dead or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball 2 . When I did so, I said to the dude behind the counter, "there's a method to this madness, I swear." See, I'm definitely getting the PS3 version of Bioshock , anyway, and DoAX2 has dropped to a measly $10. It ain't worth $60; let's face it.

But the original was a guilty pleasure of mine, and yes, I DO like the volleyball in it. They've streamlined it a lot in the sequel, too – points don't last for hours and matches don't last for years – and there's more silly stuff to do. Butt Battle on a float in the pool? Water slides? Photographing the lounging ladies? Come on , Tecmo; you guys are shameless. You can guess that from the opening video, though, where two girls sit licking an ice cream cone. The same ice cream cone. HaHA. Well, whatever. I find it relaxing, and it'll be better once I rip my own songs into the game like I did with the first game. 🙂

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Reccaman18
Reccaman18
15 years ago

MGS4's ending was fantastic, wasn't it Ben? I wont spoil anything, but damn! And DoA? The only reason people play that game is for the bouncing goodness! I think 80% or more of guys are guilty for getting this game, cause the fighting engine isn't really worth a whole lot.

Zaben
Zaben
15 years ago

I honestly did not like GTAIV… I just didn't get into it like the previous GTA's. I think LittleBigPlanet will take GotY. At least I very much hope it will.

Daedusian
Daedusian
15 years ago

I also wasn't the biggest fan of GTA4. IMO, I think its because of the updated graphics and other related improvements. GTA is just to real now, and I think that's why I probably don't like it as much. However, it is no doubt that it's a great game, but to me it's not as good as its predecessors.

If R* would keep rolling out GTAs every other year that are similar to the past games, I would love every single one of them. For example, I hope they make a GTA SA Stories for PSP sometime soon. If they do, I'm sure it will be like the past games.

I also do believe LBP and/or R2 will create some competition for MGS4 tho.


Last edited by Daedusian on 9/14/2008 2:20:28 PM

Jed
Jed
15 years ago

I was kind of bummed about the "reality" of GTA4, it was a great game, but just a little different than ones before it.
Saints Row 2 seems to pick up where GTA:SA left off. I'm really looking foreward to it.

BTW, I dont think san andreas would fit on a umd.

Daedusian
Daedusian
15 years ago

Lol yeah it prolly wouldn't but the idea of it would be cool!

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
15 years ago

GTAIV's good, but it was missing something….something…

Can't say exactly but SOMETHING lol
Though it was still a great game.

MGS4 is the best though, no doubt 'bout it.

Jojoman
Jojoman
15 years ago

I know what GTA IV was missing. The "Mission Complete" titles. The end of the missions just didn't feel "Complete" without them.

AceTatsujin
AceTatsujin
15 years ago

Soul Calibur 4 has nice boob-system and can't wait for the update they are talking about. View the character from ANY angle … WOOT! Need some real nudity now, only the titty part.

eLLeJuss
eLLeJuss
15 years ago

omg. i need gotta start playin my scIV again

Jed
Jed
15 years ago

I thought my friend was joking when he told me about "jiggle physics"

mk ultra
mk ultra
15 years ago

Wow Ben, I thought I was the only one this excited about the new Wipeout game. It was hard to wait that extra year for it. Do you know anything about the online? It's been a while since Ive heard anything about it. I want to make sure one, it still exist, and two, does it still support eight racers.

Aftab
Aftab
15 years ago

Yup and yup.

mk ultra
mk ultra
15 years ago

awesome, can't wait.

kj313
kj313
15 years ago

GTA IV wasn't that good. I think hands down it'll be MGS4 game of th year.

AceTatsujin
AceTatsujin
15 years ago

hey guys look at this website ..

http://superbargainland.com/cat26.html

PS3, with DualShock 3 and Metal Gear Solid 4, either 40G or 80G both priced very cheap between 240 and 270 USD (not euros) and this is a brand new product. am I reading this right? …. that's freaking amazing! ben whats your thoughts?

Jizmack
Jizmack
15 years ago

Ace is getting moderator approval ahhhhhh!!!!!

I think Mgs4 blows Gta4 out of the Water… R2 will be good but the online is gonna kill Mg Online. Hard desicion… Lbp is gonna be a game where u sit at home with friends and play..

Outcome- Mgs4 gets GAME OF THE YEAR!!!

Yea go Solid!!!

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

I loved GTAIV and I loved MGS4; just want to set the record straight on that. I think that while GTAIV was awesome in just about every possible respect, and it DID perhaps set the bar yet again for large, freedom-oriented sandbox-style gameplay, only MGS4 was truly revolutionary. Granted, it was only revolutionary in the storytelling aspect, but that's one more completely revolutionary element than GTAIV had.


Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 9/14/2008 11:26:10 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
15 years ago

Hey man I hear ya, I dubbed in some Insane Clown Posse on the first DOAX, patched it so my ladies were naked, smoked a joint, and just chilled out hardcore to some volleyball. Aint no shame in it.

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