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Ben’s Week In Review: March 27

I'm actually looking forward to a slow April…the first quarter was pretty well packed again.

Oh come on, you can't tell me that wasn't hilarious

Duke Nukem Forever 's release date was both shocking and hilarious at the same time. The entire "Did Not Finish" saga has embraced a great many traits and emotions over the years; the most common have been disappointment and amusement. But the latest delay is one of the funniest damn things of the generation. If one really sits and ponders, one might come to the conclusion that Gearbox planned this whole thing from the start. I think Randy Pitchford always wanted to make that "special announcement" trailer; I think they revealed a false release date for that very purpose. Look, it fits. It's perfect. If one were to write the story of DNF (and someone should), the ending wouldn't be appropriate unless the game suffered one final delay.

And it puts a smile on my face to see a studio that plays along. They've been good sports about this from the start, and remember that "Hail to the King" trailer ? "Yeah, but after 12 fu***** years, it better be!" HA! I'm really enjoying this whole pseudo-fiasco.

Heavy Rain's success is our gain

After hearing what Quantic Dream boss David Cage has planned for his next project , I can't help but feel thankful that Heavy Rain sold over 1.5 million copies and nabbed a ton of awards. Prior to the game's release, Cage warned everyone that if the game flopped, the interactive entertainment venue wouldn't take the next step; it wouldn't progress in the area of literary achievement. Granted, it's his own perception of interactive storytelling – and he's quite proud of his team's innovative accomplishment, of course – but I happen to agree with Quantic's direction. That direction should allow the studio to deliver yet another "dark, adult-oriented" story that will hit hard and resonate for years. Although it has a few holes and drawbacks, I know for a fact I won't forget Heavy Rain ; the characters have remained firmly imprinted.

I just can't wait to hear more about this project, and I know I'm not alone in that desire.

Personal gaming update

Well, I'd like to finish the very cool Crysis 2 before getting back to Dragon Age II . And then I'll start a new Career in Top Spin 4 , which I've been avoiding so I could finish DAII. There's plenty left to do so I'm glad there isn't much in April I really need to play (I'm not a heavy MK fan). The next title that sits atop my most-wanted list is L.A. Noire , which won't be here until May 17. And as interested I am in DNF, that has now been moved to June 14…only a week after inFamous 2 . I also have to get started on the new Dissidia for the PSP; that review should come early this week.

By the way, I plan on giving away a copy of that Dissidia game, along with a couple other mystery titles. I'll think of how to do it tomorrow and post up the giveaway info for Monday. It'll be designed for JRPG fans, certainly. 🙂

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Drake_RB3
Drake_RB3
13 years ago

Just finished Valkyria Chronicles 2. I wish they had focused more on the overall story than all the school side stories (Persona had me more invested in that area). I was happy with the ending, but the action heated up sporadically and kinda late. Fun gameplay to be sure but too bad it wasn't on the main console.

About to start Radiant Historia which I had bought but put off for a while and I think I'll give Vagrant Story a shot since I never played that when it first came out.

As for Duke, I hope it sells well since I have great memories of Duke Nukem 3D. I'll probably will pass on it initially so my next big games coming out are Catherine and Infamous 2.


Last edited by Drake_RB3 on 3/26/2011 9:49:44 PM

rogers71
rogers71
13 years ago

It wouldn't surprise me if when they finally come out with DNF, you will get about 3/4 of the way into the game and it will just stop. The screen will go black and there will be a message that DNF really does stand for Did Not Finish. What a joke.

PasteNuggs
PasteNuggs
13 years ago

I'm really happy that Heavy Rain achieved so much success. It shows how mature gaming has become. I can't wait for Cage and co. next project.

PGU: I got back into BFBC2 this week but have not really played all that much due to the house remodeling projects. I'm in the city now and just picked up Crysis 2, Lego Star Wars 3 and Splinter Cell Conviction. I think ill probably play Crysis 2 first then Lego with my son.

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

Heavy Rain really was a breath of fresh air and I too am glad it was a success. They took a chance with a new IP and a new genre and it paid off in the end. Can't wait to see what they are working now next.

Still playing Crysis 2. The gameplay mechanics are fun enough but I'm still waiting to get to the part where the game picks up. Kinda boring so far. I'm glad I picked it up but it's taking a while to pick up as the reviews suggested. Not very many guns either. The main assault rifle is kinda meh. I like that Hammer pistol though.

Also started playing FF: Dissidia Duodecim on my PSP. That game is a lot of fun. Stiff voice acting and weak story but the gameplay is fun as heck. It's my favorite Smash Bros type game to date. I also bought the Duodecim Prologues off PSN. It's actually a great value for $2.99. You get a ton of gameplay out of it as well as Aerith as a assist character and any rewards like items and weapons can be carried over to Duodecim. I spent nearly 100 hours playing the first Dissidia, I suspect I'll be playing Duodecim just as much. Cool thing too is you can carry over your save file from the first Dissidia. All your stats, items and leveled up characters carry over into Duodecim. Lightening is pretty sweet in the the game. She's a lot more fun to use in Duodecim than she was in FFXIII. They carried over her Paradigm Shifts. She's a pretty tactful character to use one you get the hang of her. 🙂

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
13 years ago

I dont know what part of Crysis 2 your on, but I finished it this afternoon, and I love that game. It picked up for me bout 2-3 hours into it, give or take a few. I have to admit it was boring at first, it was too drawn out, too much action far and between. But I dont know the pacing worked well enough to keep me interested, and playing. By the end of the game I didnt want it to end.

My only real complaints would be how it renders objects when you start a new area, it takes like 3 seconds for the environment to get its detail. Also the ai was frustrating at first but oddly seemed to get better towards the end. Weird huh? Prolly just me. Although I hated that the ai seemed to know where I was when I was cloaked, they never acted on me, but they'd always walk right up to me! Oh and if you hang around an area long enough, enemies would respawn, I hate that too! Other than that can't complain much.

Honestly I had more fun playing it than I did KZ3. I hate to admit it. KZ3 is a masterpiece and in terms of all around quality KZ3 is the better game. But Crysis 2 was new, and the variety of game play it brought really was a blast too play. Thats just my opinion though But I'd still tell anybody to play KZ3 if their looking for a good shooter, and pick up Crysis 2, later.

Anyways just offering up a little discussion on it!


Last edited by bigrailer19 on 3/26/2011 10:49:17 PM

Excelsior1
Excelsior1
13 years ago

absolutely agree with heavy rain being a breath of fresh air. we need to see more ip's like. that game just oozed with atmosphere, and had some pretty tense moments like cutting off your own finger. i was so attached to my charcter i could not do it. somehow it felt like it was going to hurt me.

fortunately, i had enough clues to save the kid. great soundtrack on the game as well. it had a forboding feeling to it, and made you feel like something bad was going to happen,

pgu update. i've been playing a lot of the socom 4 beta. it looks amazing. the low health counts encourage a lot of camping instead of people fully participating. few, seem to have a headset which concerns me on a tactical game like that. also, i found a copy of parasite eve 2 at a local game store for $8. i thought that was a steal. it's a lot like resident evil with its tank controls, but you can lock on to enemies so that helps. tough game, too with no hand holding or continues. wish it had voice overs like re, but it's a solid title. looking forward to 3rd birthday.
i'm even kind of looking forward to ff13-2. i thought ff13 was a great looking game. it will be interesting to see if square listened to its fans.

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

Umm..I just got done meeting up with whats his face…erm…I forget his name. Haha. THe dude with the glasses. You know who I'm talking about I am sure.

I do like the options it gives you on how to approach situations. The wider areas and cloaking feature really give you the freedom to attack the enemies how you want which is cool. The stealth features in other games like Medal of Honor and Killzone 3 felt forced. You definitely get more freedom in Crysis 2 which I like. Though overall I had a lot more fun so far in Killzone 3's campaign. It was short lived but was a blast at every turn. It never seemed to let up where as Crysis 2 is kind of dragging. That could change though. I'll get back to you when I complete the game. 😉

I know what you're talking about with the rendering when loading your game. It reminds me of the texture loading that is common in games made with Unreal engine. And the AI does seem inconsistent which was a common complaint among many reviewers. One thing I don't like is that bullet tracer. You know those green lines that follow your enemies bullets. Seems kinda generic to me. I wonder if they opted to do that because it can be tough seeing where your enemies are shooting from at times. Seems they could have altered the graphics or something to give you a better view of your enemies instead of adding those lines.

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
13 years ago

Yeah I know what part your talking bout. You havnt touched it much huh? haha. Thats not too far into the game, but fortunately, it will start picking up soon for you.

Yeah add another gripe to my list lol. I hate those tracers too. So pretty soon you'll start getting deeper into enhancing your suits abilities. That is one of the features your suit has is to trace enemy bullets, to get a better perspective of where they are. But even when I unequipped that feature, and equipped a different one it didnt stop it haha. I agree though it is annoying. I honestly think its their as an enhancement to the suit, but really you should be able to turn it off. It clutters that damn screen!

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

Ha, nope. Haven't had much time to play. Been pretty busy with work and the baby. I got behind on my work because there was a crazy wild fire just a mile south of my neighborhood and it twas heading in our direction(we live in a kind of wooded area near the plains). We were told to evacuate for the day. I spent the whole afternoon hosing down my house and back yard just in case then we had to leave. It's contained or put out by now, we're back home and the work is caught up so I should be able to play quite a bit tonight and tomorrow.

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
13 years ago

Well hey that's a pretty good excuse not to be playing games! Glad everything turned out ok with your house! That's all that matters for you and your family!


Last edited by bigrailer19 on 3/27/2011 1:11:05 AM

johnld
johnld
13 years ago

damn it! i wanna get crysis 2. i went to target but they ran out. i guess that saved me because i still have to start yakuza 4. if its anything like yakuza 3 then i'll probably put in 80+ more hours on it.

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

Thanks Bigrailer. 🙂

LOL! JohnLD, maybe you should take a break between Yakuza games and go ahead and get Crysis 2. Might get burned out on Yakuza.

johnld
johnld
13 years ago

@jawknee

i was thinking that when i went to target but they were sold out. i need to find it for 40 to bite this time. i had to buy a new external hard drive because the seagate drive i bought crapped out. sent it in for a replacement because it was under warranty. they sent me back a "seagate certified" drive that turned off when i touched it, so i sent it back again. Seagate blows, from their drives to customer support.

Shams
Shams
13 years ago

@Jawknee

It really picks up in terms of atmosphere, gameplay and visuals around the level where you have to take out spires.

So far, I'm extremely impressed by this game. It doesn't quite have the story of HL2, or the solid visuals and pacing of KZ2/3, or the color and scale of R2, or the weapon variety of R1, or the options and tactics of MGS4, but it takes obvious elements from each of these games, yet makes something special. It even takes clear cues from movies like Cloverfield.

Again, I'm very glad i got it. I was only expecting a decent multiplatform tech demo, but got so much more from it. And if the Kmart deal is still going, getting C2 for $20 value ($30 off psn or xboxlive card along with $10 reward points) is one of the sweetest deals one can get this year so far.

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

Funny you bring up MGS4 and Cloverfield Shams. For some reason it makes me want to play MGS4 again and I was thinking about Cloverfield as I was playing it earlier tonight. I can definitely see the influence from both of those titles in Crysis 2. I have started to notice it is picking up a bit as I played a little further after posting my reply to BigRailer. Shame though it took so long. Kind of negates the pleasure I took in knowing the campaign would be longer than your average shooter. Oh well, at least I'm finally at the good part. 🙂

Godslim
Godslim
13 years ago

agree about crysis 2 its kinda samey so far…….amazing graphics tho there are points where u just say wow!

Shams
Shams
13 years ago

That reminds me also, Jawknee, to get another copy of MGS4. Other point that I dig about the game are the music (composed by Hans Zimmer). I'm glad they've given us the ability to sample them, which should be done more often in this industry, when so much is already invested in that department.

@Godslim

I'm sure you've noticed the COD influence, too. Although I've never played them (shock of shocks), I noticed when I did speed jump over an enemy while I had him in my iron-sight, my aim automatically followed him while I was airborne.

The controls, while laggy at times, are really well done, and the layout is the best thus far (mallet is not on L3, but on R3, so in the midst of intense combat, you won't inadvertently mallet when you are running for cover). Don't know why other devs haven't done it before, so it's clear in addition to taking cues from others, they've made plenty of playtesting decisions of their own. I also like how unlike even KZ, when you take cover, it's as simple as drawing close to cover, rather than even holding a button, like L2. Also, it's rad how you can shoot while sliding, almost like Vanquish's arse technique.

MadKatBebop
MadKatBebop
13 years ago

I actually really liked the first half of the game where people say its kinda slow. It gave me a chance to get re-used to the Nano suit and the games environment. By the time the game picked up I was cloaking and grabbing aliens/Cell guys and throwing em off rooftops, re-cloaking jumping on ledges to make a quick escape, running behind enemy squads that were beneath me jumping off that ledge, and then power slam, and shoot any survivors, but there was never to many. I freakin LOVE this game! I'm about to start my super soldier playthrough soon, so wish me luck!

Also the ending was freaking EPIC!!!


Last edited by MadKatBebop on 3/27/2011 1:25:28 PM

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
13 years ago

Madkat-
The ending was pretty good… Obviously there will be more… I was kind of hoping for a really good boss battle at the end, but it, for the story it ended pretty good…

I'm thinking bout playing it on super soldier also. I havnt platinumed a game in a while so I might give it a go.


Last edited by bigrailer19 on 3/27/2011 2:32:17 PM

Godslim
Godslim
13 years ago

oh yeh there is cod influence there gameplay wise but not too much i dont think…i think its still its own game

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
13 years ago

Still hacking away at DAII, i like it but I'll also be pretty happy when I'm done with it cuz its dragging. Still got so much else to play and no time at all to do it. Added LA Noire to my preorder list, if anyone is interested Amazon has a $10 credit with the game as well as the preorder incentive detective suit.

Anything QD does is a buy from now on, even if they make that FPS they were talking about.

Decided to let Mortal Kombat lapse because fighters become cheap really fast, and Duke will have to wait too because i2 is gonna be running the show. I'll get those at some point though. Maybe for my birthday in July.

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

"i like it but I'll also be pretty happy when I'm done with it cuz its dragging."

Pretty much how I feel about Crysis 2.

kraygen
kraygen
13 years ago

Agreed World, only thing that falls in price quicker than a fighting game, is a sports game.

johnld
johnld
13 years ago

i kinda gave up on fighting games this gen. i only loved fighting games in ps2 generation because i always played it with a lot of friends around. that was the fun in fighting games back then. now online just ruins it. thats the reason i passed on marvel vs. capcom…. that and the roster disappointed me, oh and they expect me to pay 5 bucks for just one character dlc. GET BENT CAPCOM!

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

Indeed. If it was 2 characters for $5 I'd buy. But $5 for one isn't worth it unless they release MegaMan X. 🙂 I haven't even touched MvC3 pretty much since I got it.

FatherSun
FatherSun
13 years ago

I am debating Mortal Kombat or Portal 2. Fighters definitely get stale quick unless you always have a group of people around. I miss the fighting game tournament days of my younger years.

I am curious of the Steam integration with Portal 2 as well as getting the game for PC too. Considering that a fighting game may go down in price quicker then the odds are on P2.

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

My curiousity of how they will integrate Steam is half the reason I want Portal 2. Ha I have it preordered at Amazon. You get a $20 credit if you preorder it through them.

Lawless SXE
Lawless SXE
13 years ago

I was watching Welcome To The Jungle the other day… and I thought 'Why have I never seen anyone mention Sean William Scott as a potential for Nate Drake?' I know he's really only played immature characters so far, but it could be a break out for him.

PU:
I was going to pick up Yakuza 4 and Duodecim earlier this week, but ended up getting irritated with the city and taking off before the store opened. Next time. Instead I've been playing The Sly Trilogy, and a bit more VC2.
On top of that, I just haven't been feeling right lately. Just not really interested in anything. I need a break.
Peace.

kraygen
kraygen
13 years ago

Sean William Scott? Ouch, I think I'd have to pass. His skills in the field of acting I find below average.

Lawless SXE
Lawless SXE
13 years ago

Agreed, but I'd still prefer him to Wahly.

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

I wouldn't be able to take him seriously. He will forever be Steve Stifler from the American Pie movies to me.

Though he was pretty great in that movie called The Promotion with John C. Reiley. If you like dry humor you should check it out.

You know his brother is the founder of The Onion?

LittleBigMidget
LittleBigMidget
13 years ago

My DCUO subscription has officially gone out. Its probably for the better, I needed a break from it and SOE needs to fix the current issues and dish out new content, also decided to put down LBP2 for a looong hiatus.

MK is on my preorder list on Amazon, release day shipping, and I'm currently trying to juggle ACB and GOW2 for their platinum trophies.
IGN and other critics saying Crysis 2 is the best looking console game has kinda turned me into a lil' graphics w h o r e. Its kinda hard to believe it out-perfoms any PS3 exclusive…I hope Uncharted 3 does better.

AND LASTLY, I've got $40 on Amazon, the next 2 must haves on my list are Infamous 2 and LA Noire, which do I get first?

kraygen
kraygen
13 years ago

Infamous 2!

Sorry, but my superhero, lightning loving mind will always pick Infamous 2.

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

Those sites are kidding themselves. I have been going back and forth from Killzone 3 and Crysis 2 all week and Crysis 2 is like your less impressive sports while Killzone 3 is a Farrari. Killzone 3 is just a better quality game all around and I think a lot of those sites being as biased as they are want to believe it's the "best looking console game ever". Hell, even Uncharted 2 has Crysis 2 beat in many areas.

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

*sports car

Excelsior1
Excelsior1
13 years ago

crysis 2 looks good, but i still think kz3 look better. oddly enough i am enjoying the single player campign on crysis 2 more. it starts slow, but gets a lot better as you go. i don't want it to end. it's a lot more open than kz3, and i enjoy the stealth elements. it's just different. a fresh take on the traditional fps with lots of variiety. i blew kz3's campign in a couple days, and it ended kind of abruptlly. makes you appreciate the length of crysis 2 campign. maybe other developers will follow suit so we can get more value in our games.

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
13 years ago

Yea Crysis 2 doesn't beat KZ3 in the graphics dept. Not even uncharted 2. I'll even say KZ2 looks and runs better. But as a multiplat game Crysis 2 is a gem compared to most. Crysis 2 has a lot of issues if you look at it. I love the game but I've had the framerate drop so low on me towards the end of the game for no reason. There wasn't a ton going on, just me getting bombarded by 1 alien tank. That never happens in KZ3 where the action is twice as much of what you would see in Crysis 2. Not mention the tome it takes for areas to render and load. That part of the game reminds me of MoH. Sometimes that game had that issue also.

But again it's a good looking game if all your considering is what your looking at. But I also think its easier on the eyes because te landscape and environments are more bright, and colorful. KZ3 uses a lot of browns and greys, where Crysis has a larger color pallette.


Last edited by bigrailer19 on 3/27/2011 2:41:17 PM

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
13 years ago

PGU: I just finished up Crysis 2 today. I love that game. I was very happy to purchase it, and get to play through it. I'm really getting into the online play also. It was rough at first but Its so much different in terms of gameplay than a lot of other games, because the suit offers so much for a player to do.
I feel the same about KZ3 online, theirs just so much you can do to customize your character that you have to adjust to how others play. Unlike COD where the best perks are what everybody uses.

Now I'm just gonna finish up a few games, R&C: ACT I need to finish up lol I know I know… Also would like to finish up DA:O, again I know I know… So I can pick up my roommates copy and start playing DA:2.

Other than that, just waiting for my b-day to get here. Socom 4, and MK release on my b-day so should be a good day… Oh and I guess this week I'll be playing the Socom 4 beta. Not a Plus member yet, so I havnt got to sample it. But heard nothing but good about it so…

johnld
johnld
13 years ago

the only thing i hate about killzone 3, and i mean hate, is that multiplayer maps arent well thought out. theres alot of places for people to camp, even the home spawns. I was playing with jawknee and a few other friends on turbine concouse and we couldnt even get out of the spawn base. i mean i got out a few times but they just camped us out the whole game. it was retarded. whats worse was it was a few guys on the same clan. they were bragging after the match so much saying how good they were. its not really impressive if you spawn camped the whole game.

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
13 years ago

That I agree with… Even in KZ2 in Radec academy you could hold the opposing team down in their spawn… But that's the big issue with games like KZ3 that have designated spawns in their maps. Notice COD is random for the most part. And yeah you can choose between a couple different spawns but it still can be an issue (in KZ3). But on the flip side COD spawns Are really really terrible. Random spawns are never good for a game because you get people spawning on top of you or behind you. Theirs nothing worse than losing a killstreak because someone spawns right next to you! 😉

Anyways as far as that's concerned I'd prefer KZ3 in that regards. But as you pointed out the map layout can make or break that! I actually havnt had any issues with Crysis 2 yet though. It seems to be ironed out very well.

kraygen
kraygen
13 years ago

I'm glad Heavy Rain won all those awards because while 1.5 million is nothing to sneeze at, it deserved much better sales than that. It deserved all the awards won, just wish more ps3 gamers would wake up and buy it, it's worth it.

PGU: Still play Godfather II and it's definitely better than the first one, I like it, but it deserves it's 7ish average rating as it just doesn't have the polish it should.

I have wanted: weapons of fate coming in the mail, managed to snag it off amazon for $14. Yup, I'm cheap and I'm playing old games, but oh well, at least for these prices I don't worry if I love it or hate it.

It's nice to buy games on the cheap, because even when they're just so so, I enjoy them more because I'm not kicking myself for wasting a lot of money while I play it.

Unless I find another uber deal, after wanted, I'll probably be going back to WKC to prep for the WKC2 release.

Excelsior1
Excelsior1
13 years ago

has it been confirmed the original wkc will come with the wkc2 in na?

kraygen
kraygen
13 years ago

Honestly I'm not sure, but I have the first one and it doesn't really matter to me. I think it would be cool if it does and it has the new mechanics from WKC2, but I have the first so I'd be ok if it didn't.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
13 years ago

The WKC1 pack in should have better graphics too, so im gonna wait till then to replay it.

BIGRED15
BIGRED15
13 years ago

crysis 2 online is a main focus 4 me right now. im really liking the feline smg and grendel burst rifle. just waiting until i get loadout pro. i also feel that the lag is a little more severe than i would like. i get guys flashing in front of me and killing me b4 i can even respond. need 2 get back 2 trying to platinum DS2 and ACB may go back 2 bfbc2 if crysis online proves to frustrating. Not going to buy another game till either infamous 2 or wait for R3 lots of choices

Excelsior1
Excelsior1
13 years ago

thanks for the info. i was just bombarded by an indefinite ad loop.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
13 years ago

Any one else get assaulted by that Alienware ad like 4 times?

Excelsior1
Excelsior1
13 years ago

heck yeah it was an indefinite bombardment of ads. it was way more than 4 times for me. it was so bad i emailed ben.

Jawknee
Jawknee
13 years ago

Yup, but the ad makes me laugh every time so I don't mind I guess. 🙂

Excelsior1
Excelsior1
13 years ago

it's still wanting to run an ad every 5 seconds like the site has gone wacko. those ads can really ruin a site, and make it clunky as hell if not handled properly. makes a site unstable. scared the ads are gonna break through any second. must type quickly.


Last edited by Excelsior1 on 3/27/2011 12:40:06 AM

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