Ben-DutkaIn the midst of a hectic fall, we're already enjoying some of the best games 2011 has to offer, with more to come.
I admit…I'm starting to look forward to the PS4
Just to be clear, I'm perfectly satisfied with the PS3 and I really don't need any new console for at least another year, possibly two. But being familiar with how these generations play out, and knowing we probably won't see many more huge technological leaps on the PS3…well, I've been thinking lately. And then I hear Sony internal studios might be working on game concepts for the PS4, and I have to admit, that surge of anticipation is there. It's mild but it's there; I felt it in 1999 when the stirrings surrounding the PS2 began to pique my interest, and I felt it again in early 2005 when the PS3 started to hit the media.
So maybe it's time to start the hype train again. I don't know. I do know I'll be happy with the PS3 for some time to come, and if Sony goes in a certain direction with the PS4, I may not care at all. If it's an all-digital machine, for instance, you can just kiss my ass. It'll take me some time to ease into a world where digital "products" rule everything.
So the Vita is locked and loaded for February 22
As most of you already know, I'm not a big portable fan. But even I've been disappointed in the lack of PSP titles lately (I try to keep up with reviews for new PSP games, but there just aren't many coming out anymore), and I've been impressed with Sony's new handheld. And this past week, we got the US launch date : February 22. Obviously, we'll be covering everything Vita-related for you, and I'll have to dive into the portable realm in order to do that. I'm not as excited as I will be for the PS4 but I still find it intriguing. The games I've seen for that thing are absolutely mind-blowing, even if I'm not sold on the touch idea yet.
New gadgetry doesn't always matter to me; in fact, outside of gaming, I really don't care in the slightest about phones and tablets and all that. Yeah, my phone is from 2004 and you know what? If I lost it tomorrow, I probably wouldn't notice for a few days. So…whatever. But the Vita is definitely a cool piece of technology and I want to give it a try.
Personal gaming update
As you heard in the fourth episode of the PSXE Show, I just couldn't get into Batman: Arkham Asylum . It's one of those strange things that doesn't make much sense. And while I could certainly play the amazing Batman: Arkham City , I'm once again faced with a huge amount of work. Plus, I have this driving desire to finally finish Catherine . This week, there's Battlefield 3 among other things and oh by the way, the embargo for Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception actually lifts a week before the game releases. So as of tomorrow, you should start seeing some reviews. We'll make sure ours is one of the definitive pieces of analysis on the Internet before it gets posted.
As for BF3 vs. MW3, I'm bored. Whatever. They'll get reviewed the same as all the other games; that's all I can say.
Well, like everyone else, I'm looking forward to Tuesday, but not for Battlefield 3. That day I'll probably be playing more of inFamous 2: Festival Of Blood. Plus, I need to give a shout out to Rocksmith. Its really cool and works great.
Last edited by Danny007 on 10/22/2011 9:24:08 PM
I was interested in RockSmith but just about all the reviews said it's a teaching tool for newbies and if you are an intermediate to expert guitar player, not to bother.
Agreed Jawknee.
But it does teach well apparently, judging from this video:
Yea, which is quite cool. I applaud Ubisfor for actually making a game that requires a real guitar. If I was a newb, I'd pick it up for sure. Ha
I'm a guitar newb and own a guitar so I'm actually very interested in this title. I was not aware of it until I read the review at IGN.
What kind of guitar do you have Beam?
Oh it's just a Squier Stratocaster, nothing fancy.
I've been fiddling with music production since my early teens (mid 80s), but this is my first string based instrument(!) and I've not gotten further than to come up with some really cheesy, cheap Santana'ish solo sequences. I blush each time I listen to it.
My heart belongs to the sequenced, hard hitting groovy world but I'd love to just get a bit more familiar with it. As it is today I am so tense while playing it my entire body hurts after just a few minutes. I'm not "at home" with it at all, I'm fighting it, really 😀
So I think that this Rocksmith package is just perfect for me. I don't want to become a guitar God, I just want to become friends with it.
Last edited by Beamboom on 10/23/2011 9:04:05 AM
Squire stratocaster was my very first guitar! My parents bought it for me when I was 13. It's a great guitar for newbies. I play Gibson SG's and an American Fender Telecaster Deluxe now. I learned most of what I know just listening and learning my favorite artists songs by ear. Pretty much what RockSmith does except it gives you a visual side of it. It should work just fine for people like you. 🙂 For people like me, I try and spend 99% of my time writing or learning new techniques so something like RockSmith, I feel I am way past that point already. I want to become a guitar God! Haha
If you're feeling tense while playing, simple stretches help. Stretch put your arms, chest, back and leg muscles. Then stretch out your wrists, hands and fingers. It helps a lot. I do it every time before going on stage and usually before I play at home. I noticed my right side, back and shoulder muscles get tense from strumming but the more I stretch and play the less of a problem it becomes. .
Last edited by Jawknee on 10/23/2011 12:10:03 PM
Thanks for the advices, Jawk.
I've also learned what I know by listening to others, these days I really study Skrillex' music to try and figure out why the heck his music is SO much more groovy than most other dubstep acts… 😀
For some reason keyboard-based instruments just comes more natural to me. I have talked with a friend of mine who is quite good at playing guitar and he says that my grip is way too hard, I need to loosen up. And reason why it's so hard is cause I focus so hard on every single grip I do, "translating" everyting into keyboard keys in my head as I go.
I really am a newbie in every possible way, so Rocksmith should be perfect for me indeed. 🙂
Last edited by Beamboom on 10/23/2011 3:24:43 PM
Batman has me hooked. Great game.
same, i get the occasional freezing but all in all its great. beamboom said my drive was failing but it plays first party games like gt5 and uncharted multiplayer and bad company 2 fine. third party games then i start seeing small problems. how do you explain that? hahaha. i'll replace my hard drive sometime, but if its working i'll keep playing.
That's typical of a hard drive failure John – it's just some files (or to be precise; some segments of the drive disks) that's affected by it, that's what makes it so hard to replace it, cause usually a majority of it is still working like before. 🙂
Batman keeps freezing up on me too. At random times like John's. Makes me think it's the game. I'm going to try deleting the install data and see if that helps.
Jawknee-
I heard that deleting the install data, the catwoman download will get deleted too? Something to look into just in case. Cus that's a download code isn't it?
John has this problem with several games, not just this one. Also, if I understood correctly the PS3 has reported about a hard disk problem. So in Johns case I strongly suspect the hardware.
Batman might still freeze up though. It may of course also be a bug in that game.
It is a download code but it works just like any piece of DLC. Once you redeem her with the code via PSN, she's on your download list for good. Infact, she is a piece of DLC. Her download size was around 200+mb's I think. RockSteady didn't pull a Crapcom by giving her to us on the disc then giving us a 100kb key via PSN to unlock her like they did with their VS mode for RE5.
i've only encountered freezing problems with mass effect 2, dynasty warriors gundam 3, and batman arkham city. all other games play fine. bluray movies play fine. videos saved on the hard drive plays fine. i'm not doubting that it might be a hard drive failure but im just curious why my ps3 does everything without a problem and only have a problem with those 3 games. as for now, i cant really afford to replace my ps3 with a bigger drive so i'll just stick with this as far as i can. i dont have a problem with first party games and dice games. since i'm only getting battlefield 3 and uncharted 3 then i dont mind waiting it out.
Last edited by johnld on 10/23/2011 8:01:39 PM
I've heard rumors that the PS4 will be utilizing a more powerful set of Cell processors. If that's true, that should mean good news since the architecture will not be that different from the PS3's.
It likely won't be a new "Cell" CPU, but enough of an equivalent architecture to retain PS3 compatibility and not be any major learning curve for devs.
Absolutely loving Arkham City. Its easily one of my favs of the generation so far. And it may very well be my personal front runner for GotY so far this year.
Have you completed all the augmented reality training sessions? I only have one left. It's that one near Jokers hideout. It's driving me nuts!
i already beat all the augmented reality missions, it wasnt bad at all. just gotta be gentle with the thumbsticks so that you dont fly up.
I was about to do the last augmented reality training sessions to get 100% but out of nowhere my ps3 froze and corrupted my file :(. Now I have to start over.
No, Im just a bit further than all that penguin stuff. I'm really not that far, maybe 5-6 hours. I'm a late bloomer for really getting into these batman games. I knew they were good, but my attention always strayed. But right now I'm all about wearing a bat symbol on my chest.
i havent been on the site lately, just been busy playing games. i borrowed dynasty warriors gundam 3 twice and theres still so much to do so i bought it. beaten white knight chronicles 2 starting from the very beginning and apparently i need to get guild rank 19 to continue expanding my georama. i'll get back to playing that. i still gotta play fight lights out and sports champions with 2 move controllers. beating the hell out of criminals in arkham city. buying battlefield at kmart since i have a $30 gaming coupon from batman and battlefield 3 comes with $20 gaming coupon and $30 off on the sony surround headset so i think i'll do that. and then finally uncharted 3. i've been playing the multiplayer lately and already maxed out. the only thing that pisses me off with the game is getting the same damn treasures everytime and that i dont get much treasures in hardcore mode. i did kill about 5 people in a row and all of them dropped treasures once, sadly i had them all already.
also bought nos energy drink and got my batman arkham city batman beyond skin. just buy nos energy drink and get code, register at site, redeem code, get skin. it only cost 1 point so 1 energy drink and i think theres still around 80000 more left.
Last edited by johnld on 10/22/2011 10:15:53 PM
The PS4 should have PS3 and PS2 backwards-compatibility. Really no excuse there. But I don't know what to expect out of a new generation. If there's just new graphics and no new gameplay, count me out. I think 8 game systems is enough for me ;P
ps3 had full backwards compatibility, people bitched that it was too expensive, which wasnt true given what you get. so they took out unnecessary parts to save cost. since their focus was the ps3 games, ps2 chips had to go. after all, they wouldnt want you to just buy ps2 games for your ps3. they want you to buy ps3 games. if you had a big ps2 library, you shouldve bought the older models. they did tell you that they're taking out backwards compatibility and even knocked a hundred bucks off the price. if you really wanted that feature and didnt buy it then, then thats all your fault. hell they even went as far as offering limited backward compatibility through the next batch of ps3s. backwards compatibility is a no brainer for the next system, but if people dont buy and complain its too expensive, then that will probably go too.
Last edited by johnld on 10/22/2011 11:53:38 PM
I do hope to see full PS2 compatibility return for the PS4, it was one of the major reasons why I wanted a PS3 in the first place, since mine became damaged during a storm. I don't know about Warrior's case, but for me I was still in high school when the PS3 came out and unable to get a job to start saving for one, and well, by the time I did have enough money the older models weren't being sold anymore so it was a letdown for me.
PS3 compatibility shouldn't be an issue, but PS2 compatibility will have the same issues as it did on the PS3. That is, totally software emulation would likely be glitchy that may not be worth Sony's time to deal with perfecting. PS2 chipsets wwould add up to $50 to the cost of each console ($50 more that ~85% of PS3 users would rather not pay). I would prefer the hardware compatibility option myself, but I think it should somehow be an option (e.g. have an expansion slot for a $40-60 PS2 compatibility card/module?), not forced on everyone or have to worry about making some units that are and others that aren't.
I really want my PS2 B/C back… but stupid ylod took it away…
I still can wait on the PS4 but it's exciting to think about the possibilities of whats next. Only thing Im really hoping for is obviously better graphics, full PS fam backwards compatibility, reliable hardware and I hope Sony takes PSN to the next level. PSN would benefit from being more social and I dont mean just adding cross game chat. They need to figure out a way to blend PS home, friends list and player identity seamlessly. Nailing this right will take out Microsoft for sure, cause we all know they barely get by in the exclusives department.
I really wanted to take advantage of the Kmart Arkham City deal but I just have waayy too many games at the moment. Im taking my time on beating ME2 on insanity and still chipping away at ICO and Dark Souls. Uncharted cant come soon enough and the MGS HD are gonna be my last gaming buys til at least the summer. My backlog is that serious
Last edited by SoulController on 10/22/2011 10:30:46 PM
Well I know I probably won't get the PS4 at launch because I still be playing catch up from this generation. 2012 is already shaping up to be a good year. Besides Bioshock: Infinite my most anticipated game is Metro: Last Light. I thought the first one was an underrated gem.
As for Vita I can't wait. I will probably get one at launch If there's enough games for it.
PGU:
I finished Rage this week so now I'm onto R&C: ACiT. I'm disappointed that A4O is not getting that much love but I'll still get it later on. Other than that I'm picking up BF3 Tuesday and maybe Batman: Arkham Aslyum.
its because they made the game with multiplayer focus. its not a bad game but its really meant to be played with more people so single player gamers wont get much of an experience playing alone.
Spanish OPM gave uncharted 3 98% apparently.
I wasn't into tablets or portable gadgets either. But i bought a Samnsung Galaxy tab in July. Yesterday my mother got sick. On my way to the hospital, on the train, a lady pushed pass me and knock the tablet out of my hand and into the train tracks. The screen looks like it was hit with a sledgehammer. It's not under warranty, and cost $500 for a new one and $320 to end my contract.
I'm sorry for changing the subject I'm just really upset I needed to let that off of my chest
My interest was piqued for the Vita when i first heard of it
I'm definitely more inclined to get the it now to replace my tablet
damn dude that sucks, I'm sorry. What did the lady say and do after she bumped you? Sounds like you live in NY. People push and nudge way too much here
Ouch, sorry to hear that. Maybe you can get the screen fixed?
Idiot contracts and high costs. I just call them the gadget Nazis. It's why I don't get involved.
Sorry about all that.
Sucks…but a warranty doesn't (usually) cover accidental breakage anyway. I think even the mobile service providers have separate insurance options from the standard/extended warranties.
If you have homeowners/renters insurance, it will sometimes cover mobile devices you have, but sometimes you have to have declared the items with them ahead of time and your deductible still might make the whole cost out-of-pocket.
Or try to hunt that stupid woman down and make her pay!
personal i'm getting excited at the thought of ps4. i'm still plenty satisfied with my ps3. i'm just really looking forward to see how advance it'll be.
haven't really been playing much lately pretty much just waiting for uncharted 3. but i was playing a little GTA 3 earlier tonight for the 10th anniversary man 10 years later and it still holds up remarkable well. actually just finished reading arnold's classic 10 year old review of it 🙂
Last edited by TheCanadianGuy on 10/22/2011 11:45:23 PM
Question? If I delete U3 beta will everything still transfer over to full game?
It should. It's all connected through your log in. But no reason to delete it now, might as well keep playing til the game releases in a week!
I know this is a pretty random comment, but I just thought I'd express some personal feelings about your site. I'm always pretty cheap when it comes to video games, so I ALWAYS read reviews and research games before I buy them. I used to love IGN.com, and I trusted their reviews, along with some other sites. But recently, I've really started to notice a growing lack of detailed reviews and accurate/understandable scores. It just seems so obvious at times when sites are biased or maybe even bribed for good scores.
A while ago I landed upon your site when I was reading a PS2 review, and slowly I kept coming back and eventually you got on my bookmarks and I look at your site daily to catch up on news, and I have got to say you guys are the most accurate, intelligent clean video game site out there. I love reading the comments on here because they are really well-thought-out and thought-provoking, you guys aren't just a bunch of fan-boys, you guys are very smart gamers who just love to play.
Thanks for being such a great site, I am definitely gonna be trusting your reviews from now on, and I also would like to compliment you on your new youtube show, it's really quite nice 🙂
Thanks. Always nice to have fans. 🙂 We try.
Same experience here, IGN just became vague and fanboyish, I wonder if they even play the games they review.
I totally disagree! I think IGN has become *better* over the last year or so. It's their community that suck balls.
In fact, IGN is the only site in addition to psxe I regularly visit.
Yes, I definitely agree with the community aspect of it, but their reviews have been quickly losing quality. I know length never defines quality, but I remember when they used to have nice 4 or 5 page detailed reviews, and their scores actually made sense. But now their reviews are getting shorter, and I tend to see a bit of bias now as well.
I finished Catherine last night! Wow what a sweet game, the story went a little off the rails toward the end but if you take into account it's a horror anime title it shouldn't bug you that much. Loved that game, some day I'll take the other direction and see what happens but not right now I have enough news and reviews and things to do of my own.
I'm on the 7th night boss, Shadow Vincent.
…the last part is pissing me off. LOL
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 10/23/2011 12:44:44 AM
Really? I didn't think it went completely 'off the rail', the story certainly elevates into the surreal the few remaining days. But I didn't find it to be a negative thing. But I don'twantto go into to it too much for peopel who have yet to play it. Still a sensational game. I'm trying to put myself through the stages of rapunzel, but i just can't put myself together to do it.