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Ben’s Week In Review: August 2

It's my birthday today. I turn 31. And I do not want to talk about it. 😉

Which RPG should I be most excited about?

It happens every generation: as the role-playing genre is always the last genre to really get rolling in any given era, I find myself turning to other titles to satisfy my gaming desires. And I don't mind doing this; I just want to play the best of the best, and the only genres I really don't play are RTS and flight sims. Anything beyond that is fair game, and it kinda has to be early on in any generation because the RPGs are few and far between. But they're a-comin' now and I'm preparing for a shift back to RPG mode…the only question is, which RPG should I be most excited for? FFXIII tops the list 'cuz it always will but there are many other promising RPGs that will release well before the newest FF, and I'm currently leaning towards Demon's Souls . I mean, has anyone really looked at the immense praise that game has received? It's pretty amazing. But then again, I'm really liking the look and style of Resonance of Fate ; while tri-Ace didn't get me with Star Ocean: The Last Hope , I'm fully confident in their development capabilities. Then you've got Dragon Age: Origins , White Knight Chronicles and Alpha Protocol so I'm rapidly becoming inundated with future possibilities.

What think you? Should I still have Demon's Souls as my most anticipated RPG (next to FFXIII)? Or is Bioware's Origins really looking good to you right about now? I have my reservations for Obsidian's Alpha Protocol , but I have a feeling I'll really like Level 5's White Knight Chronicles …ah, what to do, what to do…

Two must-haves on the PSN, peeps

The first is Shatter and the second is Fat Princess (review coming Monday). I won't reveal too much about the latter as I'm still playing it (and I can't yet jump onto the servers to have a go at multiplayer), but I can tell you it's every bit as good as I expected. Well, almost . I have a few small issues with it, but I imagine those will get overshadowed when I finally get into some online matches; this game is clearly designed to be played with a group. It was great to learn that so many people rewarded Sidhe Interactive in the first week of Shatter 's availability, and for only $7.99, I urge you to pick it up if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed. Also, feel free to download the Madden NFL 10 demo that's now on the Store; you can only play 1-minute quarters (which is uber-lame), but at least you get a chance to play it. I'll be reviewing that one in a few weeks time, so I wanted to get an early look…it's okay. I can't tell much without any control description and extremely brief gameplay segments. But I'll play a little more.

Oh, and I can't wait to hear what thatgamecompany's third PSN project is. I know I'll buy it; Jenova Chen and the rest of that team has earned my respect. You know, when I first heard about the concept of downloadable titles, I said, "yeah…doesn't sound like anything I'd want to play much." Man, was I wrong .

Personal gaming update

Well, I beat Shatter – totally bad-ass game – and as I just said, I've been playing Fat Princess . I've also been working my way through FFX as some of you know, and I assume I'll get a game for my birthday (probably RE5). The only title I really want to play this month is Batman: Arkham Asylum , but that's okay; I'll need to be ready for October. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves , Demon's Souls , Dragon Age: Origins , etc. Then November has some huge releases as it always does, and I'll probably be too busy with reviews to ever play anything I actually want to play. Such is the way every year. But anyway, I'm kinda hoping that GT5 doesn't hit that rumored December 29 launch date because I really won't have the time to deal with it. That's like the exact day we start working on the Game of the Year Awards.

On the other hand, it's not a terrible time. It's away from the Oct/Nov rush and there shouldn't be much in January and February I desperately want; not until March and God of War III . Well, whatever. I'm tired and I've got stuff to do tomorrow, so I'll check y'all later.

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coldbore
coldbore
14 years ago

HAPPY BDAY BEN!
man do I want to get my hands on that GT psp lol
well it looks like the people complaining about a lack of RPGs is soon to change hopefully, I've never been a big RPG fan, but I can never complain about more games to have and play lol

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
14 years ago

Definitely Demon's Soul

For me it might be Tales of Vesperia (series known for it's good storylines, Tales of Symphonia for the Gamecube/Wii is really kicking). Hoping it translates to Vesperia

Not interested in Resonance of Fate, that game just doesn't appeal to me visually. Character and environment, gothic, etc. etc. isn't really grabbing me. Looks to be more flashy than anything else. Flashy games don't do it for me.

Anyway I feel FFXIII will suck character-wise. After Lightning I don't see any of the other characters being anything special.

Oh yes, Happy Birthday Ben!


Last edited by Scarecrow on 8/1/2009 11:15:41 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

What if resonance turns out to be awesome? You'll be eating sour grapes.

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
14 years ago

We'll see 😀

Masterofallz
Masterofallz
14 years ago

Fat Prince is worth every penny of the $15 I spent on it. It is such a high quality game.

Although, it is going to get KILLED in the reviews. The lag while playing online is not going to make many game critics happy. Its a shame to, its such a good game.

OH! And how can I forget? Happy Birthday Ben! 😀


Last edited by Masterofallz on 8/1/2009 11:21:36 PM

phantomMenace
phantomMenace
14 years ago

There have been a couple matches that I have joined where lag was an issue but the majority of the time its not a problem. Maybe try hosting a game and see if that helps any.

Deadman
Deadman
14 years ago

Still havent been able to get online with the exception of creating a game myself.

Mornelithe
Mornelithe
14 years ago

Happy B-Day Ben

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

I'm most excited about WKC but as that won't be coming for awhile, what the hell I'll hafta get Demons Souls anyway. I have plenty to keep me busy until the RPGs drop so its like they say…"S'all good"


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/1/2009 11:26:43 PM

sticklife
sticklife
14 years ago

Happy birthday.

kratos17
kratos17
14 years ago

the rpg i want the most is demon souls then WKC comes in a close second

but the most anticipated rpg for me is ffversus13 which isnt coming out for a while

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
14 years ago

More Tales of Vesperia love! -_-

By the way everyone on my PSN friends list was playing Fat Princess 😀

That game must be fun….
Need to get it

LegendaryWolfeh
LegendaryWolfeh
14 years ago

i don't mind sharing with people =) and there's nothing neccesary in return lol ^^ i'm just awsome like that, besides i use psn cards so i'm not worried bout my stuff being stolen XD and other than that my account isn't too big a deal XD you could even send evil msg's to people haha. But if you want it just tell me either in the forums via pvt msg or here and we'll talk elsewhere, or you can add my psn, it's what my name here is =)

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
14 years ago

^Arigatogozaimasu!

LegendaryWolfeh
LegendaryWolfeh
14 years ago

Alrighty ^^ check the PSX forums, I sent you a private message.

Banky A
Banky A
14 years ago

Sorry if I sound greedy but would you have a problem with sharing that game with me also?

Fat Princess is one of those games that would cost too much to fit in my PSN (when I start buying stuff) basket ^_^

I have Rag Doll Kung Fu in return.
Is the Fat Princess download region free?
lol

LegendaryWolfeh
LegendaryWolfeh
14 years ago

already got rag doll =P we got it for free awhile back, haha. umm i honestly have no idea about region locking, i mean i'm pretty sure it's not regionized? but it might be..hm…but i'm not sure, i've shared with 4 ppl but i think someone else wanted it also but not for sure, i'll have to check back, in the mean time we should probably find out if it's locked

Oxvial
Oxvial
14 years ago

well for trade I have the gamestop exclusive power of infamous isnt too much but if you are interested just say it =p.

Banky A
Banky A
14 years ago

Ah, don't worry about it then.

😉

LegendaryWolfeh
LegendaryWolfeh
14 years ago

Agreed, Fat Princess is just great, so is Shatter. But Fat Princess's Online is totally broken. I have never been in an online game OTHER than when I played with myself or friends = kind of a disappointment as this was one of my more anticipated psn games.

phantomMenace
phantomMenace
14 years ago

Thats strange both myself and my brother have not had a single problem getting into online games. It might take a minute to find one but once I'm in there is no problem. Hopefully you figure it out soon cause its a lot of fun.


Last edited by phantomMenace on 8/2/2009 12:25:20 AM

LegendaryWolfeh
LegendaryWolfeh
14 years ago

Well I've literally sat for about 5 minutes before giving up. It's pretty common from the looks of it from the PSU board and Titan's official website giving info about it. They're doing processing stuff with Sony right now so they can hurry and get the patch out.

therabbitkinge
therabbitkinge
14 years ago

I fall for anything that allows me to customize a character so Demon Souls is a must buy for me… then again so is every other title that doesn't involve the words " 1st person " or " sports " im buying or have its pre-order recipet sitting in a lock box muhahahaa I've hogged away enough cash from my son and wife to buy them all!!!!! Lol oh and Ben happy birthday your older then me and obviously much wiser keep on trucking and all that jazz!

sunspider13
sunspider13
14 years ago

I'm waiting for Demon Souls as well as I'm nearly done with VC (better late than never).

Nearly done with inFamous 2 shards and 6 stunts to go. Waiting for Batman:AA to come out.

And Happy B-day Ben.

phantomMenace
phantomMenace
14 years ago

Happy birthday. About the rpgs, I have really enjoyed Demon's souls on my first character I have about 150 hours put in and it has been the best $60 I have spent next to KZ. Im not sure about Alpha Protocol it could be good but I can't wait for Dragon Age Origins everything about it sounds really cool. I think that both are very good options so I feel bad for those who can't afford both.


Last edited by phantomMenace on 8/2/2009 12:23:16 AM

NightHawk17
NightHawk17
14 years ago

Look forward to Demon's Souls, it'll be out first and truly a shining gem in this gen:D


Last edited by NightHawk17 on 8/2/2009 12:41:42 AM

Sir Shak
Sir Shak
14 years ago

Birthdays are so depressing .

I wish I could access the ps store . Not being able to play Fat Princess and Wipeout is just killing me .

Anyway , "happy" birthday .

Jed
Jed
14 years ago

Happy birthday

I can't really help you out with the RPGs, I like them but don't like to read much into them. I like to start a game knowing nothing about the story and characters. I'm the same way with movies. I usually wait to see if people think it's good, if it is I'll give it a roll.

I have a question about Fat Princess. Is it one of those games that aren't any good without multiplayer? Or is it still good plating it alone?

LegendaryWolfeh
LegendaryWolfeh
14 years ago

it has a short single player but yes, it's one of those games you don't want to play alone. it gets very difficult and i'm not gonna say the ai sucks, because it doesn't…but let's just say when you want to get the princess, you team doesn't really feel like it anymore. haha so yeah, real people is neccesary, but just wait until they get the online part fixed.

Jed
Jed
14 years ago

Thank you much.

Tha_Joker_186
Tha_Joker_186
14 years ago

Happy B-day Ben, and I heard from many people that Demon's Souls is one of the best RPGs they've played this gen. I personally can't wait to get it either! lol

shadowpal2
shadowpal2
14 years ago

Happy Birthday Ben…we can't thank you enough for your awesome articles. Really we just can't…

___________
___________
14 years ago

theres going to be s*** loads in jan and feb.
well all of 2Ks games are due then.
the 2 games ubisoft just delayed are due then.
dark void is set for February from memory.
bayonetta is set for january 5th.
than theres MAG which i cant see coming this year.
thank god tafe does not go back till late February, otherwise i wouldn't have enough time to play those games.

somethingrandom
somethingrandom
14 years ago

Well it's my birthday on Friday… Im turning 17.

TEG3SH
TEG3SH
14 years ago

fat princess is awesome sooooo awesome

@ LegendaryWolfeh damn ur generous .

@ ben if u are not talking about exclusives then mass effect 2 is ur safest bet . the first one was really good and i think the 2nd will be better

happy B-day ben

LegendaryWolfeh
LegendaryWolfeh
14 years ago

Yes, yes I am, lolz

fatelementality
fatelementality
14 years ago

Happy b-day Ben. Wow, 31. I'll be 28 come Jan. What are we gonna be like when we're 80? Still plan on playing games and listening to the same music u grew up with? "Ehh….now where's my dag nabbed Dr. Dre CD!!!???"

That was Nick Swardson so nobody has to call me on that


Last edited by fatelementality on 8/2/2009 3:56:00 AM

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

LOL I saw Swardson's stand-up a little while ago. He's pretty funny.

Fane1024
Fane1024
14 years ago

I was "meh" about Demon's Souls until I sat through the dev interview in Home; they piqued my interest. I'm most excited for Fallout 3 GOTY, though, followed by Dragon Age.

Shatter's just not my type of game: not a fan of arcade games. I will be getting Fat Princess.

Why do they always gimp demos for sports games? Let us play a full freaking game, so we can learn the controls and actually come to a judgment as to how it compares to last year's game or other franchises. It's not like two teams and one venue in quick play mode is a substitute for the full game.

Sucker Punch managed to give me a full demo of inFAMOUS; why can't you, Tiburon?


Last edited by Fane1024 on 8/2/2009 4:00:05 AM

Douchebaguette
Douchebaguette
14 years ago

hhahah. Was my friends b-day yesterday as well. I ate her insane cake on your behalf.

=P

Danny007
Danny007
14 years ago

Its my birthday to Ben.

robinhood2010
robinhood2010
14 years ago

Happy Birthday. Feel safe in the knowledge that, although you think you are old, there will always be someone older! =)

Snaaaake
Snaaaake
14 years ago

Happy birthday Ben and thanks for all your articles all this time and you're 31 eh?
So~~~~~still a virgin? JUST KIDDING!

Working your way in FFX?
Hey Ben, have you got all the celestial weapons?
It's one of the most difficult thing to do but once you done it all(yea, I did) you'll find that it's easy actually.

JaXXX
JaXXX
14 years ago

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!!!!
Wish you all the best)))

Skatejimmy5
Skatejimmy5
14 years ago

Happy birthday, man! 😀

JaXXX
JaXXX
14 years ago

Snaaaake
thats a badaaas joke)))
but a nice one

KBsocks
KBsocks
14 years ago

Fat Princess still has too many problems to be worth a purchase.
I've only played 3 games online but then again I'm surprised I even got to play any seeing as how it takes me 5 tries just to get into a game. The lag is there but not that bad no the thing that got to me are the glitches. In one of my game our team couldn't pick up the worker hat anymore so the enemies just breached our gates and stole our princess. Also the princess has a tendency to just randomly disappear. It tells you that your princess has been captured but the princess hasn't she just flat out disappears and this had our team confused obviously since we couldn't do anything. Hope they release a patch to fix a few things up soon.
I'm also looking forward to Demon Soul but I hear it has a rather steep difficulty curve which could be a turn off…..
I know I'll like White Knight Chronicles because I loved the Jeanne D'arc game they released for the PSP but the graphics are just meh even when it was first released in Japan it was nothing to go crazy about.


Last edited by KBsocks on 8/2/2009 9:42:15 AM

Riku994
Riku994
14 years ago

Happy Birthday Ben! As for RPGs, WKC has been at the top of my list (behind FF13 and v13 of course) since before I even got my PS3 when I expected it to be a launch title. However Dragon Age and Resonance of Fate look to be amazing, and I'll probably give Demon's Souls a demo or a rental before I actually buy it.

Gow49ers
Gow49ers
14 years ago

Happy B-Day Ben, hope u have a great one!

Qubex
Qubex
14 years ago

Best wished on your Birthday Ben, and many more to come… always enjoy your reads man!

Q!

"i am home"

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