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Ben’s Week In Review: October 12

If I'm being a glass is half-full guy, I'll say this past week was very interesting from a new game perspective. The half-empty guy is somewhat disappointed.

These length estimates are getting less and less accurate

I've been saying for years that you can't really trust length estimates from either developers or journalists.

For the latter, they're often so intent on speeding through a game to get a review posted that they completely forget that nobody plays that way. For the former, given all the flak designers have received for short campaigns, they're always trying to prove their solo action is a lot longer than it really is. They can get away with it, too, because something like co-op gameplay adds an indeterminate amount of time to the experience, and it doesn't fall under the competitive multiplayer banner. Therefore, when BioWare says Dragon Age: Inquisition offers 150-200 hours of gameplay , I know how to interpret that.

They did admit the campaign could be as short as 20 hours for the speed demons, but even 40 hours is a far cry from 200. These open world games are rife with potential and replayability; it just depends on how involved you want to get. On a completely unrelated note, it's nice to see yet another multiplatform title on PS4 outstrip its Xbox One counterpart …again.

Whatever we see next from Naughty Dog better be Uncharted 4 gameplay

Naughty Dog is teasing brand new info for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and this time, it had better be a gameplay sampling.

I'm all for the beauty of wonderfully choreographed CGI and cut-scenes, especially when it comes to this franchise, but we've reached the point where gameplay is required. For screenshot media, members of the press have been using variations from that same teaser video for quite a while. On top of which, it's not like Naughty Dog has anything to prove…we know this game will look amazing. If history is any indication at all, it'll blow everything else in the console world out of the water. Xbox One exclusive software will look dated in comparison, as 360 exclusives looked downright archaic when compared to Uncharted . But that's not what interests me at this point; I'm far more interested in seeing the game in action.

Maybe that's precisely what the developer will show us before the year is out. I'd also like to have a concrete release date, although I'd bet anything they're aiming for a holiday 2015 launch.

Personal gaming update

There's no doubt that the two biggest releases of the week have generated plenty of controversy .

I really wish one of them would've been worthy of an 8+ score. I really do. In fact, both should've scored that high, if the developers had simply focused a bit more on certain aspects of the production. Driveclub needed more solo content to round out the experience (all the more important when the online component doesn't work the way it should ). And as far as Alien: Isolation is concerned, they needed to cut that game way down. Yes, that's right, I said it needed to be shorter. They could've maintained the necessary pacing better if the game was about 7 or 8 hours, as opposed to a tedious 15.

Anyway, I've got The Evil Within and that review is coming this week. …freaky sh**.

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WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

Well if Uncharted 4 shows up with some pop n shoot video or platforming it will just be called generic. So how do you win?

I'm thinking Inquisition will be good but not live up to expectations since it's cross plat and bogged down by multiplayer. It'll probably just be what Dragon Age II was supposed to be.

I hope you are enjoying The Evil Within Ben cuz I already preordered it.

I wanted to put up a Sunday Meditation after this long hiatus but my half brother died last night unexpectedly and I can't really think straight. Everything's foggy right now but I am enjoying Xillia 2 when I can.

DemonNeno
DemonNeno
9 years ago

Sorry to hear that, World. I hope you and the family strength through the struggle. 🙁

slow and smart
slow and smart
9 years ago

Man,I wish you and your family lots of strength during this difficult period.

Yeah i agree,cross plat and multiplayer will not get a max [sp] gaming experience


Last edited by slow and smart on 10/12/2014 2:26:49 AM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

Thanks guys.

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
9 years ago

I actually prefer not to see gameplay for Uncharted 4. I'd much we start to see less of games because what happens is the same thing that Destiny went through. I don't mind a game getting attention, nor do I think Uncharted would go through the same thing. I'm speaking generally here, but people, media, etc… start making things bigger than they really are.

So show me.more CGI, ND, create another little video that keeps people anticipated without giving away your game. We all know how Uncharted will play, and everything else should be kept quiet. I'm so excited for this game I will do more to avoid anything related the I did with TLoU.

PGU: Just continue to plug away at Destiny. I was going to get Driveclub but because Borderlands releases next week, everything will take a back seat.

Destiny is fun with friends despite its redundancy, but I'm ready to move on for sure. And when I do I'm not sure the DLC will bring me back.

Corvo
Corvo
9 years ago

I agree with that binge on time because I spent more than 20 hours playing F.E.A.R 3 and obviously it wasnt the best game ever made. The player decides how long a game is, and sure something like MGS Ground Zeroes really was…one mission with different objectives, it definitely was a good tutorial as to how we can expect the Phantom Pain to be. Which I am very hyped for.

Yeah, don't show Uncharted A Thiefs End's gameplay. I want that to remain a mystery until we get closer to its release. I may not be the biggest Uncharted fan but i do very much love the series.

This week I really didn't play much. Even less than I normally do. I worked a whole lot this week and started to do some voice acting nonsense. Real fun though bringing your character to life through voices. Not sure when whatever it is I worked on will be released but hey, I'm happy with it.

I did play FFX HD and Spelunky when I had a chance. Freaking love how simple, yet difficult, that game is.

Lots of movies though! I would reccommend movies, but most of you hear don't care what I have to say due to overreacting or me not liking Skyrim but having fun with Colonial Marines.

I'm a weird guy, and I'm easily amused. Why else would I love "The Room" anyways, dunno why Bigfoot is made out to be so evil this year. Theres been quite a few flicks where he's a bloodthristy villain. Its hilarious.

The Evil Within in a few days. Ready to fear the…uhm…monsters?!

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

Give us your movie picks anyway.

FAREEZ
FAREEZ
9 years ago

Maybe naughty dog just want to say that uncharted 4 will run at 60fps, that's it's, that what game developers do this day right?

Beamboom
Beamboom
9 years ago

PGU:
I've started a new playthrough of Borderlands 2, this time mostly soloing just to get more of the details of the story before the pre-sequel. And I'm really enjoying it! That's not to be taken for granted, I usually am done with a game after the first playthrough.

I've always said that the Borderlands franchise is a dish best served in party with others, and while I maintain that opinion they sure can be enjoyed alone as well.


Last edited by Beamboom on 10/12/2014 3:04:58 AM

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
9 years ago

Considering I only stopped playing Borderlands 2 a few months ago, I am primed and ready to go for the Pre-Sequel to come out. Everything about it sounds super good.

I typically don't play games after one play through either. However I played through that whole game – side missions, story missions, dlc, and raid bosses – 3-4 times with two different characters. Both were max level and the game just kept going for me like I had never played it. The brilliant thing they did after you've hit max level where enemies and weapons continue to level was brilliant. I say that because that level cap was a good stopping point before you pretty much could fill up every spot on every skill tree. It kept players interested beyond that point, it kept things fresh and the game kept progressing.

I can't wait til' Tuesday!


Last edited by bigrailer19 on 10/12/2014 3:25:12 AM

Beamboom
Beamboom
9 years ago

Yes, I believe many underestimate that game and the depht, mechanics and well thought-out details of it simply cause on the surface it looks so colourful and simple.

I have my hands full with the game for quite a while longer, haven't even tried the DLCs yet (they are purchased and ready). But after that the pre-sequel is a sure buy.


Last edited by Beamboom on 10/12/2014 7:22:00 AM

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
9 years ago

Oh man you are in for a treat with all the DLC. They are so good and they actually offer a ton of length and refreshing material.

Beamboom
Beamboom
9 years ago

I fully expect them to be, the main DLCs for the first game were awesome.

Also, I got myself a new coop buddy now (met him on a IRC channel actually 😀 ), a guy from Poland, so yesterday we hooked up and did a few missions. The hole where Sanctuary used to be is such a cool place! My favourite so far.


Last edited by Beamboom on 10/13/2014 3:25:55 AM

DemonNeno
DemonNeno
9 years ago

I rarely buy a game based on advertised duration. In fact, I don't think I've ever cared about it. I know a lot of gamers who DO care, but it's typically the mechanics and story that gain my interest. That said, I'm hoping that DAI will kick ass!

I've officially picked up Dark Souls 2. Had to do some serious research before I decided to go PC. So far, I'm not regretting it! It is a quite a deadly one! Haha, I do enjoy its mechanics and downsampling from 4k to 1080p really makes it look much less outdated. I do have one grudge with it – the jumping.. Or leaping. It's weird to implement a half baked version of the action. Other than that (and constantly dying), it's fun! I wonder how much time it'll take me to really master this combat system…


Last edited by DemonNeno on 10/12/2014 3:48:57 PM

Rachet_JC_FTW
Rachet_JC_FTW
9 years ago

yeah i hear ya i can't say my mates won't twsit my arm metaphorically to get dragon age but there are other games that will be months old maybe even a year old when i finally get them but then they will be alot cheaper when i can finally afford them all

we all want to see some gamplay in game action from unchartered cos i think we'll be drawling at the graphics and the gameplay i'm expecting to be soomth and we might just get 1080p 60fps from them atleat i hope if anyone can do it they can

as for aliens and the evil within i don't think they are my cup of tea but i hope y'all enjoy a better game outta both of them

happy gaming


Last edited by Rachet_JC_FTW on 10/15/2014 5:16:25 AM

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