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Ben’s Week In Review: October 25

Oh look, it's raining. …better not have this amount of precipitation when it gets below freezing; last winter was brutal enough.

Splinter Cell: Conviction will come to the PS3

This isn't based on anything besides personal theory so don't go repeating this as if it's fact. However, I do believe it's going to happen, especially after Ubisoft said there's always a chance that the new Splinter Cell might eventually come to Sony's console. As I said in the article, I still believe Ubisoft doesn't necessarily want this game to be exclusive anymore; they made this deal with Microsoft quite a long time ago, and well before the PS3 was really a factor in terms of software sales potential. As it stands now, Microsoft would've had to have handed over a ton of cash to make up for the 25 million potential customers Ubisoft is passing on. No publisher is keen on this idea and I'm almost certain we'll see a PS3 release at some point; you can think of it as another Bioshock situation and I consider it nigh-on inevitable. And while I know a lot of you aren't fans, I've always loved Splinter Cell so I've thought about this a lot.

Of course, I'll just get it on the 360 when it comes out, just because I'd rather not wait on a chance. The only other option is that Ubisoft simply wanted to focus on the 360 because it's a better system for their game, but…well, forgive me for thinking it's Option A and that Microsoft paid them off.

This generation can last for a loooong time

I know the PS3 came out only six years after the PS2 launched and while that may happen again (the 10-year lifespan of the PS3 doesn't mean we won't see another PlayStation in that span of time), I'd rather it didn't. And I'm also glad that developers are on the side of most gamers; Infinity Ward, for example, says we can get a lot more mileage out of the current generation of consoles. Well, after seeing what Naughty Dog achieved with Uncharted 2 and marking the growth and advancement thus far, it's difficult to believe that we'll never see anything better. No, I think most any game designer will say there's still plenty to learn – especially in regards to the PS3 – and although there's a definite press towards digital media, that format shift is still a long ways off. Besides, let's not forget that we've already gone through multiple hardware changes unlike during the last generation; the PS3 Slim could almost be considered to be another system launch. So yeah, I'd say we're good for at least a few more years.

Personal gaming update

So I'm working my way through Brutal Legend right now. It's a great game and definitely indicative of Tim Schafer's creative genius, but it's really not one of my favorites…I've just never liked a real-time strategy mechanic, even if it doesn't dominate the entire game. I simply don't find the stage battles in this game to be very fun and now that I think about it, I'd also rather have had this game be a straight-up action/platformer rather than an open-world sandbox-style game. I just find it a little repetitive and not as engrossing as past Schafer efforts like Psychonauts . Still, I'll probably finish it. Beyond that, I played the Clank demo for A Crack in Time , which was fun, and I'm also playing the new downloadable game, Trine . That one is pretty damn awesome; expect to see a review for it early this week.

I actually can't wait to go back through Uncharted 2 again. I've been aching for a second play-through after finishing it and thankfully, it seems I'll have the time to do it. The only game I really want to play in November is Dragon Age: Origins – just to see what it's like – but besides that, I can wait on the others. Stuff like Modern Warfare 2 is on my Christmas list. 😉

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SerendipityDeus
SerendipityDeus
14 years ago

i finally got my hands on a copy of Demon's Souls so that'll be taking up a large portion of my time, and as for Modern Warfare 2, im probably gonna wait till christmas to get it too, its not too high up on my priority list either. once im done with demon's souls i have to get uncharted 2, hopefully i can make time for all these games inbetween my classes and midterms.


Last edited by SerendipityDeus on 10/24/2009 10:27:42 PM

tes37
tes37
14 years ago

I've been thinking about getting Trine. I'm not finished with my second playthrough on U2, but it's just as fun as the first time, only you know what's going to happen.

Perry Katy
Perry Katy
14 years ago

I was hoping the same thing about SC: Conviction.

Anonymous
Anonymous
14 years ago

It's not happening… Microsoft has had the exlusive deal locked up for over three years now

mastiffchild
mastiffchild
14 years ago

Indeed. there's more t this deal than neets the yes but readong between the lines suggests a LOT of support for Ubi from MS. The series, though often multi lat has it's spiritual home on the Xbox l;ine of consoles and as a result I think MS made their move to revoot the series as an exclusive to 360 after the l;ast, truly awful SC game flopped.

It's possible it was a good(i.e cheaper) time for them to do this with Sams star on the wane and the fact Uni scrapped a near complete vesion suggests hthat dev time and costs have been supported from somewhere and with MS history would it be that shocking if they'd been behind it? They didn't get a REAL MGS game(whatever the 360 fanboys might pretend over the rising mp)and the next best thing must be a really good SC game, no?

IMO that's what's going on and rather than thinking a PS3 version likely(they only sadi what they did to keep PS gamers talking about their game, imo, and that's always a good thing for devs to do)I'd go as far as suggesting even the PC version could go for a vurton soon-like AW might and Gears2 and Fable 2 alredy did with MS really wanting more true exclusives for 360 to counter Sony's onslayght of real PS3 exclusive games. They don't have Sony's dev muscle so have to chase, pay for, 3rd party exclusivity and this one is so well supported by MS that we won't ever get to play it with a DS3, saldy, so it looks like a game where I'll have to use the hated, useless 360 pad. Bah!

Game does look good, mind, and moving it away from U2 comparisons into next year was sensible imo(who honestly thought SC:C was avoiding MW2?)so it could get a polish toward that standard(even if matching it might well be beyond Ubi with their habit of patchy quality in their games)which is what MS seem to want for the franchise.

Certainly a game I'm looking forward to-but not, sadly, one I think is even a possibility on a Sony console. Seriously, a "SC:C PC version to be pestponed/shelved" announcement really wouldn't shock me as MS seem up to their necks with this one and there is a trend starting to show where PV/360 titles are chnged to merely releasing on 360.

And, Ben, I don't like IW. Their dropping of dedicated servers shows a clear(added to the supposed DLC going to 360 first)move towards them and Acti cuddling up to MS. So glad I won't be part of their reindeer games this Xmas as buying anything associated with Activision(esp as a UK gamer thery're trying to rip off with MW2)is now unthinkable to me and many other gam,ers who don't like being treated like bitches just because Kotick's an ignorant and arrogant fool who thinks milking gamers during a recession(when they'd have made a staggering amount of money anyway)os a fair way to do business.

Just as I won't buy Forza3(even as a series fanatic) because they now behave like tools I just can't sanction giving my money to people who treat gamers the way Activision(and by their silence and actions IW too-they're just Acti's lazy greedy monkey butlers in my book these days-judging by their PC stance and the fact they kncock Teyacrh for WaW doing nothing new with the MW engine while MW2 seems just like MW1.5 to me anyway makes them look a-holes)now do. I feel much better knowing I'm not part of their lan to raise game prices at a time when more and more of our fellow gamers are losing their jobs and taking pay cuts.

Naturally I know my stance is a rare one that won't even make Acti notice anything whatsoever but that's not the point-I just don't want to be a part of something I find so distasteful whether people argue about supply and demand forever or not(though tht's less relevant in this case where the extra £10 is being sucked up by retailers in the safe knowledge that volume of sales will ensure their profits this time round. However, to acti that just means they got what they wanted and they won't are how or why so after this all the games the make will go up and the retailers WON't do the nice thing again so even buying it cheap at Tesco means we're going to get shafted next time round.). Te only way to be sure you don't add to the problem is by buying it used, not buying at all, pirating on PC(which, though I fnd it reprehensible myself I suppose a LOT of disgruntled PV gamers will now do)or, like me deciding Activision aren't worth playing with at all.

Seriously, though, COD is now a yearly release and the tech difference between MW, WaW and MW2 is negligavle from all I've seen-so why the rush to fill their pockets for such lazy milking of a franchise. I loved MW but, seriously, even if I hadn't fallen out with the publisher I'd still only have been renting a game that hasn't moved on since 2007 and whose mp(for me at least) was surpassed by a long way this year by KZ2.

People, free yourself from the COD gracy train as you encourage mistreatment of your fellow gamer by supporting these scoundrels without morals or eben the desire, any longer, to push their games.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

Well, it's always nice to see people stand tall for their own beliefs, even if it means sacrificing quality entertainment experiences. 🙂

I respect what you said but in the end, this industry always thrives on that aforementioned quality, and if companies like IW and Activision produce quality products…well, they're always gonna win.

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
14 years ago

Crack in Time is the best next game for the rest of the year, imo.

Will get!

___________
___________
14 years ago

MUST GET!
last good game till dantes inferno, O besides assassins creed 2.
but anyone who does not buy ratchet and clank future a crack in time should be lined up and shot.
O and im not the only one that thinks this is the last of the series.
all the reviews ive read are saying the same thing.
resist the devil insomniac, i will fly to america and knock your door down if you end the series.
you will wake up in the middle of the night with a dark face staring at you with red eyes and horns sharpened to the piece.
youve been warned!

johnld
johnld
14 years ago

I guess you're gonna have to shoot me. I want to get it along with tekken 6 and ninja gaiden sigma 2 but i dont have the money anymore. So its uncharted 2 then modern warfare 2 for me. i just see them as more worth my money since they have online that can keep me busy till MAG releases.

kevinater321
kevinater321
14 years ago

Also on my second playthrough of Uncharted 2. Trying it on Crushing and i have to say, it is very difficult. Can't wait for Ratchet and Clank to come out. Just one thing about the demo, am i the one that didn't think the graphics were as good as previos enteries? it just didn't seem as good as the last games. It may be because i have been spoiled buy Uncharted 2. And as for spilter cell, i don't care. Didn't like the other games so i pobably won't like this one. And thumb me down all you want, i have learnt to ignore it 🙂


Last edited by kevinater321 on 10/24/2009 10:39:15 PM

johnld
johnld
14 years ago

advice for uncharted 2 crushing. take your time. that cant be stressed enough. If you do and find the right routes, then even crushing will be easy for you. Use your shoulder view switch to check through doorways when your gun is aimed. its helpful. You can even shoot people around corners before they even see you, use headshots.

kevinater321
kevinater321
14 years ago

another tip for anyone trying crushing: blind fire over cover. it really helps when your low on health and there are enemies coming to flank you.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

The only problem with your Splinter Cell hopes is that contrary to what you keep saying I still say (Lets look at the Bayonetta problems as an example) that porting from 360 to PS3 can pose major problems and an inferior product.

So are you gonna take Uncharted 2 on a tougher difficulty? I still don't have it but I'm enjoying how much everyone else is enjoying it 🙂 I'll get around to it but busy is busy and I'm very engrossed in Rogue Galaxy right now. I'm also going back and playing old school dreamcast games that remind me of newer games like Headhunter for instance.

Anyway, inbetween bouts of illness (I'm increasingly thinking I have the swine flu) I've once again enjoyed conversing with everyone here this week so if I die don't forget me people. 😉


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 10/24/2009 10:48:38 PM

tes37
tes37
14 years ago

Long live World!

Douchebaguette
Douchebaguette
14 years ago
Scarecrow
Scarecrow
14 years ago

IF World dies the world itself will die…

We're all doomed!
But yes, get Uncharted 2 ASAP!

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

It may not be a port; it may be like Bioshock, as I said. That game turned out wonderfully on the PS3.

And I'm not sure yet how I'll replay Uncharted 2. We'll see. 😉

Get well soon, btw. It ain't swine flu; don't worry.


Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 10/24/2009 11:28:52 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

yeah I almost forgot, if I croak you guys come with me 🙂

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

I'm doing a run through on Hard in prep for Crushing….

We've had virus after virus in these parts, all of them 'flu-like' and all of them mild. The quick test the Doctor performs is a bunch of crap because it gives a crap-load of false negatives. So we could all have had Swine Flu and not know it…

Aftab
Aftab
14 years ago

Hope you get better WorldEnds, soon.

johnld
johnld
14 years ago

if i remember correctly, bioshock was completed using about 3 2k studios right?

Anonymous
Anonymous
14 years ago

Sorry Ben this was announced in 2006 as an exclusive and I'm pretty sure that it's got next to 0 chance of getting the port. Look for the next SC game to make it's way to the PS3 of course. On the side note… this game was scraped and redone… something that would require a decent sum of money… it wouldn't surprise me if Microsoft isn't heavily invested in the game.

Anonymous
Anonymous
14 years ago

@world I've been having the same problems… sick then not sick then sick again… I don't know what it is, but it's really annoying

Sir Shak
Sir Shak
14 years ago

I was wondering why you weren't on the forums . Get well soon .

Naga
Naga
14 years ago

Thats a bit strange, it isn't 2012

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

thanks guys, doin a bit better today. Still got a pain in my gulliver but I can breathe better. It's the strangest thing.

GuernicaReborn
GuernicaReborn
14 years ago

World, I'd be worried. Well, not worried, but definitely take precautions. We've been filling 20 tamiflu prescriptions a day for the past 4 or 5 days. There are tons of kids and adults sick around here(NY), and initial estimates are that 80% to 90% of flu cases are swine flu. Be especially careful if you have any pre-existing respiratory problems, because swine flu is especially hard on your lungs.

Qubex
Qubex
14 years ago

World, only the little pig knows what's really going down. Get better soon my friend 🙂

Q!

"i am home"

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

I'll be hypervigilant, at least I feel well enough to play games again 🙂

Douchebaguette
Douchebaguette
14 years ago

Ohoho, a LOT more milage. I could even bet the successor console won't release until maybe AFTER the 10 year lifespan, unlike the PS2. Ok, maybe JUST before.

I'm actually looking forward to KZ3. I can't wait to see what they will do next.

_____________________________________________
———————————————

My payslip post in today. After reading another article about Uncharted 2 and reading on forums comparing it to MGS4, impatience got to me.

Oddly enough, my payslip came in earlier than last month, which was earlier than regular – but my silly assumption is that if they payslip has been posted [stamped 2 days earlier], then the money should be in my bank account. Worked last month.

I rode a bike all the way up a hill to the nearest place I could buy Uncharted 2, attempted to buy it via card – which didn't seem to make a transaction. After a few attempts and looking like a paranoid a** guarding the bike [since I had no lock], I realised that I should of went to an ATM first before making a fool of myself.

I hope the money is there tomorrow.

therabbitkinge
therabbitkinge
14 years ago

I think the only thing that'll change in the next gen will be the way we interact with games, I mean graphics wise everything will soon look like U2 and then where else do we have to go from there?

I agree on the stage battles in Brutal L. they begin to become repetitive and annoying T^T I mean everything else is fun and the stage battles are at first really innovative, but its like when my mom put the mac-n-cheese over my broccoli when I was a kid, its really just another mediocre RTS mechanic (aside: its still a great game to play ya'll)

Really wanna try Trine! Im a big fan of multiplayer action and I always loved 2D side scrolling since those old beat 'em in arcades like the simpsons and tmnt ^_^

jerocarson
jerocarson
14 years ago

i am huge fan of Both MGS and SC franchise..
i can only hope it finds it's way to the ps3.
on the longevity of this current generation, i think the main stream is not ready to invest in another console just yet.. there is still some juice in the black box.

Nothing on brutal legend seems to interest me, i haven't even read anything on it until now, i don't just know why, but i think i won't like it either..
But but . . Ben, where is that secrete PS3 exclusive, you hyped my head about???

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

It exists. Still can't say anything, though.

LowKey
LowKey
14 years ago

LOL, people stop bugging Ben about the secret exclusive. Im sure Ben will write an article with a title that will let us know its the secret we've all been chomping at the bit to hear. Plus Im trying to put it out of my mind till then,and its kinda hard when people keep bringing it up.

jerocarson
jerocarson
14 years ago

okay, My Hopes are high . . . .

therabbitkinge
therabbitkinge
14 years ago

Wow I had totally forgotten about that news Ben dropped on us about that PS3 exclusive. Damn you "Jerocarson" my head left reeling once more over what it could possibly be… when will this no longer be a secret Ben old chap?

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

Whenever a certain someone gives me the green light.

Wage SLAVES
Wage SLAVES
14 years ago

That means its Jaffe!!! Whoo….got a piece o' da puzzle!!!!

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

What the…? David Jaffe is the only "certain someone" in the entire industry? LOL

Wage SLAVES
Wage SLAVES
14 years ago

No, but you did interview him though…am I right? If not then I must be totaly wrong. But your tone says Im wrong too…Damn. Foiled again.

chucknasty
chucknasty
14 years ago

I will agree 100% about Brutal legend. I really wanted to like the game but the RTS aspect is more than a little clunky in my opinion. It probably doesn't help that I am currently playing three games, Uncharted 2 and Demon's Souls as well, so of the three it is the weakest but to be fair the other two are among the best games I have ever played.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

This generation will last – for Sony.

HDTV technology is settled on 720p/1080i/1080p and will not be changing any time soon. 3D is a red-herring, it's a gimmick, but won't be mainstream. Broadcast TV is only no shifting to 720p/1080i and has been making investments towards that goal for years now. Unless the Internet suddenly gets a monster injection of money to update the entire local loop, the majority of users are stuck with 3Mbit/second for the foreseeable future. Therefore optical media is not going anywhere in the short to medium timescale. There will not be a higher resolution home video standard than 1080p/BluRay simply because Movie studios would have no real way to get people to go to the movies then, the picture at home would be better – it's almost that way with BluRay.

Since the PS3 already has an HDD and Ethernet built in, and comes with a BluRay drive, what more does it need to be a video game console in that environment? It can render games at 1080p and play HD movies either from disc, or download.

PS3 will last at very least 10 years.

The 360 can probably go at least 10 years too. Although it really needs a BluRay drive to keep up, and it's not going to get one until a new Xbox arrives.

The Wii is not in the race, and until Nintendo deliver an HD unit, there is no point discussing the longevity of their console.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

Man I don't know what my theatre uses for projection, its a fairly new and big AMC one, but I can tell you right now everything looks fuzzy at the theatre compared to my blu rays at home.

(O that's right, I went there with the spelling.)


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 10/25/2009 12:48:05 AM

fluffer nutter
fluffer nutter
14 years ago

Blu-ray isn't close enough to the original aspect and quality of film but have you seen the next level of clarity for home? It's astounding and I'll be a part of that bandwagon. I'm all for progress in audio and video.

@World, I know what you mean. I've been to some theaters and the picture was mediocre and others it was awesome. I also noticed the corelation with the upkeep of the rest of the theater. Maybe those places have older equipment and not the funds to upkeep and maintain it. Sad thing, that is.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
14 years ago

@fluffer_nutter

The aspect ratio and resolution of BluRay ar close enough to Film for the studios liking. If we had a home video standard that was the full cinema aspect ratio and even higher in resolution, Hollywood would feel far too threatened by it to allow it. They're already unhappy with having to go as far as BluRay as it is.

I'll stick my neck out and say that 720p/1080i/1080p are here to stay for upwards of 20 more years, and BluRay has no reason to be replaced for anything up to a decade. The base standard for HDTV may increase to 1080p (as is happening already) and exotic screens with 3D capability or higher refresh speeds, or even higher native resolutions will come along, as will newer display technology. However the video standards of 720p/1080i/1080p are here to stay.

That's why PS3 is in a perfect spot to last more than 10 years where the other major consoles are not.

fluffer nutter
fluffer nutter
14 years ago

I believe my post was misunderstood. I was pointing out some information and just asking a question. Please, people. Read it again. I apologize for the clarity.

Fane1024
Fane1024
14 years ago

I read somewhere that 70 mm film produces an image roughly as detailed as 4320p would be. If the projector is in focus.

Movie theaters are dead whether they like it or not. And it's their own fault for raising their prices in order to inflate box office totals rather than trying to get (keep) asses in seats.

There will be higher res tvs built (there already are prototypes), but I also doubt they'll replace 1080p sets as the standard. I just hope 1080p sets DO become the standard. IMO 720p isn't high definition; it's barely better than PAL broadcasts.

p.s. I agree with Ben about Conviction. Ubisoft also insisted Double Agent was a ("next-gen") exclusive. There is more evidence that it might actually be an exclusive this time, but I think if it hadn't been delayed it would already be on PS3. I'm not too concerned either way, since Conviction looks like too much of a departure for this SC fan (see also Max Paine 3).


Last edited by Fane1024 on 10/26/2009 1:27:13 AM

LittleBigMidget
LittleBigMidget
14 years ago

If the PS3 keeps pushing out games like Uncharted 2, I'm certain it'll last for 10 years. I dunno about the Xbox. I heard Nintendo plans a Wii 2.0 with HD in 2011. But, just a rumor.

___________
___________
14 years ago

im loving brutal ledgend, except those bloody friggin tower things there driving me insane.
i wish they made it less RTS and more of a action game, leave the team instructions there, but your Allys are far to weak.
and your needed at 10 places at once, you need to gather fans, call out for troops, take down towers so you can call in fans, and instruct your team mates at the same time.
im only one man.
it would of been nice if those things were automatic, or if you could give voice orders, that way i can focous on one thing get that done and continue.
instead of having to stop doing what im doing to go and do that.

as for SPC on ps3, i would not hold my breath, i think ubisoft are just saying that to shut people up.
i know i would be quite frustrated too because every single interview they do they get asked that.
they probably should create a massive sign and hang it on there back saying "NO SPLINTER CELL CONVICTION IS NOT COMING TO PS3!"
but than, i bet people would still ask them..

i finally got up to the last boss battle in uncharted 2, god hes hard.
im on the opposite side of the room and he can STILL shoot me.
since when can shotguns shoot that far, i thought they were a close range weapon not a freaking sniper.
christ im surprised i got this far, with all my hair intact.
my sanity isent though, im starting to see green leprechauns.
"youve done a fine old job,lad. now BURN THEM, BURN THEM ALL"

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

well you have to keep in mind we are talking about Ubisoft here, a third party company now operating in an environment when third part exclusives are going the way of the dodo. I think the sales from a PS3 version would be bigger than whatever MS paid them awhile ago since the console numbers have evened out more. They will want the Sony market just like they do for their other games.

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