Ben-DutkaWow…it's so weird to look at the site and see articles I didn't put there. But it's also a very nice feeling, I think. 😉
"Cross-generation" games are a complex subject
It happened quite a bit going into the current generation. There were many titles that developers created for both the PS2 and PS3, which of course makes perfect sense. You want to support the new hardware but at the same time, there's almost no user base and hence, very little in the way of sales potential.
That's only part of the thorny issue, though. When CD Projekt Red said they're only focusing on the next generation , that immediately generates several questions concerning those "cross-generation" titles like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag , Watch Dogs and Destiny . Firstly, were those games designed around the new hardware and then simply scaled back? Secondly, did the developers all know they'd be making a version for each machine when they started the development phase? Thirdly, how much of a difference is there between the two versions? Will gamers really be disappointed with the lesser iteration?
Thing is, it's not easy for consumers. They're caught thinking that if they want the best version of something, they'll have to spring for the new consoles. The hardcore have no desire to play something that is significantly inferior, but when it's a matter of money, it can be a forced reality. Not everyone wants to jump instantaneously into the new generation and indeed, not everyone can . So they see all these multiplatform cross-generation titles and they're going, "Well damn, I almost have to find a way to pay for the new console." It isn't an easy situation, certainly.
Some developers realize that single-player is still critical
In an age where some game makers are treating multiplayer as the be-all end-all, as something that absolutely positively has to be in a game, it's nice to see a developer stand up and say- "No, not every game needs it and especially not ours." Eidos Montreal said that in regards to the Thief reboot , and I wanted to stand up and applaud. They want to deliver the very best campaign experience they can, and they fully understand that Thief does not need a multiplayer component. They're considering something small but it'll hardly be a critical part of the production. Awesome. If you look at the best games of this year, it's obvious that single-player is far from dead, which I'm quite happy to see.
Tomb Raider and God of War: Ascension had multiplayer but neither needed it and in the end, they weren't necessarily praised for those elements. Bioshock Infinite and DmC: Devil May Cry didn't have multipllayer at all, and they're two of the highest-rated games of 2013 so far. Thief has always been about the solo experience. If you want to stay true to the franchise's roots, it has to stay that way. And I'm just very glad the designers are willing to embrace that "old-fashioned" concept wholeheartedly.
Personal gaming update
Bioshock Infinite is just so fantastic; love that game. I've also started playing a bit of Defiance but I have to admit, it really isn't my thing. I just hate MMOs in most any capacity and I'd say that definitely qualifies, but I'll try to issue an accurate and unbiased review, as I always do. Then there's the upcoming Dead Island Riptide , which could be very good. I didn't really get into the first one, though, so we'll have to see if the upgrades and tweaks make the sequel more appealing overall. Beyond that, it's nice to have a bit of gap between now and June; I can finally play some catch-up.
And as I said above, I'm happy to see new work on PSXE. The contributors are going to be a great help, I'm sure, and you're already seeing increased content and different types of news articles and points of view. You may also notice my brother participating as well; he just did an in-depth hands-on DUST 514 beta , which you might want to check out. And more things will be on the way that I could never get to before. 🙂
I never buy cross gen games, I know I will have the new console some day so it's a great opportunity to just wait and see and then wind up with the better version at a lower price.
With Thief on the way I feel like I'm getting plenty of good retrofuture stuff (which I love like other people love CoD) with Dishonored, Infinite and the season pass. I just wish Singularity became a series.
Ben if you want to get the most out of Riptide you should co-op with your brother or somebody. Mob mentality is fun in a zombie environment.
I think I'm at the end of Infinite now so I might just beat it tonight. For once I'm looking forward to DLC!
Something interesting to point out about AC4.
I have pre-ordered the PS4 version of the Black Chest edition from the Ubi store ($190AUD lol). The release date for the PS4 version is the same date as the rest of AC4, which is 31 Oct.
I emailed Ubisoft and they confirmed that is the release date for the PS4 version.
Which means a) They know when the PS4 will arrive, and it will be before Nov 2013. b) They don't know, and it is an estimated date.
A is more likely, seeing as though they are actively developing for the PS4 version.
I will let you guys know how the PS4 version stacks up to the PS3 version when I get it!
C: You can buy Ps4 games before the system is even out.
yeah they must know the target date.
Yah, I suspect the first year or two of the next-gen will be fraught with many of those games that feel neither here nor there in terms of the 'next level' of gaming. For 360 it took a year to deliver Gears of War. PS3 didn't seem to get it's big hit until MGS4. These games pretty much proudly claimed, "this is the next-gen. this ain't anything like last gen's games."
PGU: NG3: RE has been center stage, rudely interrupting the final portions of DMC3. NG3 RE has been a pleasure to play thus far. Many of the complaints leveled against NG3 were addressed. Thankfully. The combat system received a good number of tweaks. Back are the charged UT's. Back are the many weapons… which become oh so powerful when leveled up. The Lunar staff is just sick. Ayane is off the hook awesome now. She was pretty cool before but is doubly so in this game. Too bad there's only 2 levels of her's, both of which are great. The game is so very fast. It doesn't look consistently pretty but it certainly moves faster and smoother than most of it's type this gen.
After I have my fill of NG3:RE and DMC3 I eagerly await Darksiders 2. Really been wanting to hit that one. I'd also like to give Injustice a shot. At this point it doesn't look like something I'd take serious, but it certainly looks like a lot of fun. And Ben, if you're reading, any chance that game will be added to the prize stack for the review contest? That'd be amazingly awesome 😉
Last edited by Temjin001 on 4/6/2013 11:29:11 PM
No fair, you get dismemberment and I don't.
I'd like to get back to Darksiders 2 at some point, it's weird to be using my brain in a game this generation. I like it.
yah, world, it be one gory game. Too bad though they didn't change the Spider-Man the movie ending. What with Ryu hopping around building tops into the sunset and all. Apparently, Spiderman was big in Japan also. Must have been.
And Darksiders 2 looks to be one sweet sweet ride. Can't wait.
Darksiders 2 was breath taking (ending not so much). I'll give my 2 cents in a review. Playing MG Rising. And, again, I am very, pleasantly surprised. Plays like NG + Shinobi + Bayonetta + MG. I love it.
Sensei Temjin, did you notice a drop in visual fidelity (looks like dynamic resolution is the culprit, to accommodate the unnecessary dismemberment)?
World, i think NG3 still has some pluses…namely visual fidelity, i think, and Move support, if you're in to that kind of thing (though i don't think you are).
You know Master Shams, I swear NG3 RE both looks and performs better with no dynamic resolution scaling. There seems to be less screen tearing than I remember to, and less slowdown. I think they've drawn the camera back to match NGS2 as well.
It could be in my head but I really think this is the case. I may do some direct comparisons when I get the time.
Anyhow there's a ton of game play mods. UT's can be instantly triggered from off of a Izuna drop rebound, and now manually charged. It appears a Steel on Bone connects every time a strong attack connects clean on an enemy charging, charging with that red mist stuff. This includes bosses like the doppleganger. A variety of ninpo's are back which can be released at will. You can restore health with unused ninpo magic. There's just all kinds of tweaks. I've enjoyed it quite a bit.
When I played the demo, I thought that, too (comparing Ryu's desert stage), but when i fired up the full title on release, it was the first stage that kind of soured my stomach. The enemies were more vicious, but the background textures were even muddier, and the character models seem less detailed and blurry, but, only during the hectic combat. Again, i didn't notice this at all in the demo, so maybe this just particular to the first level, if the observation is true at all. It does sound like you have played more of it so for, so that's assuring.
Ooh, so that's who Mr. Charles is!!
Considering my plan is to get the PS4 on release, I'll fully support it. Ill still support the PS3 with games like Beyond and so forth, but any coss-generation releases will be played on the PS4.
I believe a lot of developers believe sp is very important. ND understands it, despite adding a solid mp component to Uncharted. Sony Santa Monica though proved that some developers believe, even games that strive on the sp component, need mp, or atleast should have it included. To be fair ND should probably be included as well based purely on the inclusion of mp to Uncharted. But some developers even Sony Santa Monica and ND focus on the sp and still strive to create that experience you just dont get in a mp setting.
PGU: I really want to try Defiance, problem is Borderlands 2 dlc came out and I still need to get Bioshock. Most games like Defiance need to be played from the start, especially on consoles because its kind of a niche genre for console gamers.
But for now its Borderlands 2 again.
I got a kegerator for my birthday, so now I can enjoy some great local Micro/craft brews from home fresh from the barrel . Im not a big drinker but I do appreciate an occassional beer and this is far cheaper than sitting at a bar! So thats my exciting news for today!
i may or may not get a ps4 on launch date. so depending
how desperate i am to play a cross gen game, i might
get the ps3 version.
pgu:
i'm trying to plantium army of two: the devil's cartel,
i'm thinking of picking up, bioshock infinite,
For titles like Watch Dogs and Destiny, is the PS4 version better in anyway?
I don't see how not.
Cross-gen seems really simple to me. You just have to pick two from the following list:
1) have the best version of the game
2) pay less for the new console
3) have the game on Day 1
I'm sorry, but you just can't have all three. For myself, I'll definitely be getting the cross gens for the PS4, just haven't decided if I want to get it for launch yet.
PGU: tried Demon Souls briefly and am just not feeling it so far. Haven't really played enough to feel like I've given it a fair shake, so I'll stick with it for a while longer, but initial impression is lacking. Of course, part if that might be because in completely absorbed with Deadwood right now. Probably won't get much play time of anything in until that's finished. Haha
double edged sword really.
there great because there the perfect demonstration of why you need a new console.
its hard to convince people with only next gen titles because then they start saying well maybe they could of done some witchcraft and gotten older systems to similar lengths.
kinda what cd project red did with the witcher 2 on 360, i mean its not as good as the PC version, but for a 7 year old console holy f*cking sh*t!
its good to be able to have comparisons, and say this is what the extra money has bought me.
on the other hand though its a bad thing because what if theres not really much of a gap between the two?
then you have the problem of it simply being available on current systems so people will save the cash and get it on that.
not to mention the ever lingering niggle of what the game could of been like if it was next gen only.
exactly why i really dont like cross generation games.
yea its great to be able to see what the ps4 is going to bring us in AC4 appose to what the ps3 will.
but at the same time, just existing is hurting itself.
next gen consoles always struggle off the line, having big name games available for their siblings is not exactly helping solve this problem.
cons outweigh the pros really.
as i said the other day i wish developers would start looking to different avenues to extend the replayability and life of a game.
some games suit the traditional MP experience, some certainly dont!
shoehorning it in for the sake of sales and replayability is just stupid!
developers really need to stop taking the easy way out, pull their f*cking finger out, and start thinking ok how else can we bring in a multiplayer mode, but something that will suit our game, and people will enjoy.
some games like LBP suit creating your own levels, so why not use that?
some games would suit a horde tower defense type game so why not use that?
some games would suit a score chasing mode, or some sort of challange mode like what hitman absolution offers so why not use that?
some games would really benefit from expansion packs, FC3 a prime candidate for this, so why not?
im so f*cking sick of developers saying hey we need to add MP to our game otherwise it wont sell.
ok lets just copy and paste what every other game is doing, problem solved!
no, problem not solved, some games just do not suit that style of gameplay!
the MP in tomb raider is as well suited and welcome as a whale and dolphin at the Hiroshima memorial!
its really sad how the industry has become so stale and boring lately!
so many games just feel a bit, eh.
been there, done that, just takes away from the enjoyment of them.
so many games have added, changed, improved so much, but the core of them is so similar to everything else you just cant torture yourself to finish it!
GOW ascension, GOW judgement, 2 perfect examples of games that really have changed things for the better, but at the same time you just cant help but say meh been there done that.
bioshock infinite another perfect example, a beautifully crafted game, such a ambitious project, but its just so similar to the original bioshock released 6 freaking years ago!
you really cant stop yourself from yawning and repeating eh been there done that.
we REALLY need next gen consoles to come out, NOW!
and hopefully they reinvigorate this meh been there done that industry.
suddenly had a craving to go back to NFS most wanted for some reason, so i picked that up today.
good excuse to turn my wiiu on, christ havent touched the thing since last year!
ninty, you seriously need to hurry the f*ck up and get some 1st party titles out, otherwise your really going to drown especially when the ps4 and next xbox release!
funny how every time i get a chance to go back to darksiders 2, for some reason i dont want to.
wonder why.
i really enjoy the game, but maybe its got something to do with it just not being the game it should of been.
i really do hope crytek US buys the rights, that way the series lives on.
but if they do buy it, please for the love of god, go back to the old slow heavy style that the original darksiders had!
and for f*cks sake get rid of the cell shaded graphics!
absolutely HATE it when violent dark creepy games have cell shaded graphics its so f*cking stupid!
i know, lets set up a torture chamber and will run it in leprechaun land with a bright sunshine, lush green grass, pots of glimmering gold, waterfalls, birds chirping, and rainbows everywhere!
just does not work!
graphic gory games set in freaking dungeons should be dark and gloomy, not have the graphics of a freaking cartoon aimed at freaking 5 year olds!
Really like the extra article influence on PSX!
PGU:
It's been a good week of gaming. Was about to finish up with the last mission on Xcom, until my friend bought me the PC Skyrim. I can't believe this games fits on one DVD rom!? I'm on pace to breed a gold chocobo! the online community levels of Sound Shapes are tough as hell. MG Rising showed up in the mail. The 2nd fix on the PS3 should be in tomorrow. With that machine back I can be looking at Rising, Twisted Metal, and Deus Ex back in the already over bloated mix.
oh and I shouldn't forget to mention I picked up the Sony 3D TV bundle. I just couldn't resist. It's cheap enough to afford and small enough to travel with. Once that comes I'll have KZ3, U3, and… well, too many games to play. Good times are often busy times. April is a low month for me and I don't have a girl friend and yet still lack time for everything I want to do.
Also, I still can't stop watching the MSGV trailer. The theme song was on top for itunes for a little while b/c of that trailer!
Dude, 3D was a milestone, a before/after moment for me. No less. Many say 3D gaming it's just a hype, but I really believe it is here to stay.
To me it makes a huge difference, I has become boring to play with a 2D picture again once I got used to do my gaming in 3D.
Cool! Yeah I'm stoked for it to. The latest Nvdia driver update seemed to be on board to!
Ah you're going to use the Sony screen on your PC? Coolio, it's on the PC I do my 3D gaming too, with the Nivida 3D Vision that came with my monitor.
Regarding cross-gen releases I am ambivalent. On one hand I don't want a game held back because of a former generation, on the other hand I really don't want to buy more games for the PS3 now – so better with a cross-gen than no-game, to put it like that.
For example, I am going to gamble on the next GTA also being released for the PS4. I won't buy it for the PS3.
Most of the other contributors for PSXE has had their first story published this week, and I am getting a bit stressed by that. This week I *have* to contribute too.
PGU:
Last week I found Just Because 2 on sale on Steam for like… nothing (three euro!), so although I've already played it on PS3 I bought it again.
And man how much better that game looks on PC. It really was another division, visually. And that's quite cool cause that makes me want to replay that game even more. And it looks *excellent* in 3D too.
I am also playing Crysis 3, and while it looks very good and still is totally cool with that suit, I can easily understand what the reviewers were talking about. It is awesome, but at the same time, something is missing compared to the earlier games in the franchise.
And finally, last friday was the "OKDay" event at work, a monthly event where every developer puts aside all regular customer/business tasks and do whatever they want, using whatever technology they are curious to test. And interestingly a few of the guys went together to design a new game, using… The Unity engine!
It'll be fun to hear their experiences.
As for me I started on an Android app that I've been wanting to make for a long time. It's the first app I've ever made. I love the OKDays. 🙂
Last edited by Beamboom on 4/7/2013 11:35:42 AM
Just beat Bioshock Infinite, does anyone know if there's 2 endings again this time or more?
As far as I know, there's only one.
Believe it or not, the circle button is actually orange. WHAAAAAAAAAATT.