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Ben’s Week In Review: November 15

Another ridiculously busy week but at least now, there isn't much left for 2015.

The Witcher 3 as GotY? Raises another important question

Firstly, as most of you know, I love The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt . Despite the fact that it received a sub-9 score, it's undeniably my favorite game of 2015. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is second on the list and Assassin's Creed Syndicate is right behind. And it's important to note that the Hearts of Stone expansion for The Witcher 3 got a review score that reflected the huge strides that game took since May.

However, I'm not sure I agree with the idea of The Witcher 3 as a true GotY candidate. When I saw that it led the Game Awards 2015 nominations , I came to only one conclusion: Either the jury flat-out ignored the insane amount of bugs and technical problems CD Projekt Red's game had upon launch, or they're saying that because those issues were fixed within the same calendar year, the title deserves all those nods. The latter is a possible theory: It's still 2015 and as the team made The Witcher 3 a lot better, perhaps we should view the product as it stands when the year is out. On the other hand, I still say this is like giving a pass to the team that produced a shoddy product. And there's really no better descriptive word for that game when it first released.

I'm no stickler when it comes to minor issues, either. So it says something when I have to drop a score significantly because the game is such a mess. Yeah, I think it's better than Batman: Arkham Knight and even a little better than Bloodborne , but the latter games were perfectly rock solid. As was MGSV and, believe it or not, Syndicate . So, shouldn't that mean something?

I like Bethesda's approach to DLC for Fallout 4

While I don't care for the game myself, I know millions do and they're going to be very interested in any extra content that arrives for it. And I like what the developers are doing: They want to see what the fans want before deciding on expansion content for Fallout 4 . Unfortunately, that does mean they can't tell us what's included in that $30 Season Pass – which could make for a difficult sale when the consumer has no idea what he's buying – but it's the right thing to do. In the long run, I think you'll generate more interest in that DLC because you got that feedback. On top of which, it effectively eliminates all the conspiracy theories about Bethesda holding content back to sell it as DLC. If they're waiting to see what players want, they couldn't possibly have created anything yet, right? Hence, it couldn't have been included in the main game. It's not only good for gamers, it's also a shrewd move, in my opinion.

I've said it before but no, I don't believe most developers "hold back content" that could've been included in the original game. The instant that whole Capcom fiasco happened, the community went overboard as they always do and simply assumed that all developers were doing the same thing. Yeah, well, they're not. If you actually follow some studios closely, you'll see that employees are working that much harder and that much longer to deliver this extra content. And they used to get a lot of time off after launching a new game…not so much, anymore. So stop with the accusations; they don't appreciate the unwarranted abuse.

Personal gaming update

As you all know by now, Fallout 4 isn't for me . Still a great game, though, and I think I've thoroughly explained why a game can still get a 9 even if I don't like it (and it's really not a complicated concept). I also played enough of Call of Duty: Black Ops III and I'm pretty much done with it. I usually only play through the campaigns and do enough of the multiplayer to write up a review, and then I move on. So, it's back to Syndicate for a brief time until I dive into Star Wars: Battlefront this week. I played the beta, which wasn't bad but a little bare-bones, and I'm pretty sure I know what to expect from the final product. Then, I have to deal with Just Cause 3 and Rainbow Six Siege in December.

Not quite done with the blitz yet…

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Temjin001
Temjin001
8 years ago

I'm thinking if Cloud got revealed as an add-on character for a Nintendo game when the GameCube was still around, gamers would've reviled the idea, being bitter over the fact they never got FFVII in the first place.

Nothing would persuade me to believe the significantly messed up buggy launch version Witcher 3 was a little better than Bloodborne (I know. I owned both at launch). Had Witcher 3 never been patched over it's launch code, heh, well, it would've been off my HDD for good with no looking back.

EDIT: It's all about FO4 for me now. I bought the game today. Can't wait to play it more tonight. Man I want this game on a VR headset!


Last edited by Temjin001 on 11/14/2015 10:07:18 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

Especially in the power armor son! Fallout 4 really makes me feel like I'm home. Home on the wasteland.

Jawknee
Jawknee
8 years ago

I haven't played Fallout beyond the character development part in the beginning. The graphics aren't as bad as I was expecting after all the articles about how they were bad. I quite enjoyed the little tutorial cartoons while it was installing. I do dig the 50's theme in most media so I'm sure I'll enjoy the game.

Haven't even opened Bloodbourne yet. Kinda regretting getting it now that I've been reminded it's a Demon Soulish title. I hated that game. Was just beyond frustrating. Meh, I'll give it a chance though.

Toys R Us had some decent deals today. Picked up four rare amiibo I missed during the first wave launch for buy 1 get one half off.


Last edited by Jawknee on 11/15/2015 12:29:44 AM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

Those cartoons were fantastic. The 50's stuff is de best. I have a great and poster of Bettie Page from the leather days and B&W Wanna Ride? tin sign.

Temjin001
Temjin001
8 years ago

Just did close to a 2 hour play session. That's long for me. Very much enjoyed myself. It's so dang immersive.
Definitely play with your Pip-Boy's radio turned on. The music feels fitting.

Jawknee
Jawknee
8 years ago

Will do. Thanks!

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

Yeah the music is one of the best parts except I'm not crazy about the nervous DJ on the first good radio station. 3Dawg was way better. Hopefully there are multiple many DJs with the good music on their stations later.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

What a week. I got the Liberian Strep throat, was mentally tortured by the people I swore an oath to, killed 20 years of anguish in my parents' marriage, conquered almost all my fears, finally got back into anime, and now I have Fallout 4 in my possession. Plus things just keep getting better!

I'm so happy I almost don't care if they ruin the battles in FFVII.

I think Ben is right about Witcher in the sense that it handicapped itself by trying to be everything to everyone.

I also agree about Fallout 4. While asking for how to make a great game (Square Enix) isn't the proper way to make said great game, finding out what the people like is a fine way of making DLC and allowing in MODS.

slow and smart
slow and smart
8 years ago

I'm playing the best of the best,Fallout4…that's it


Last edited by slow and smart on 11/15/2015 3:15:52 AM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

me 3!

Jalex
Jalex
8 years ago

I was going to wait on 'Fallout 4' until Bethesda patched it up some, but my PlayStation Plus subscription is about to end, and Best Buy has a Black Friday deal that would allow me to get the game and three months of Plus for about $47. Hard to pass that up.

TrueAssassin86x
TrueAssassin86x
8 years ago

Witcher 3 Wild Hunt has aready won 2 game of the years from 2 websites so i dont see that trend stopping anytime soon. And correct me if im wrong when was the last time a console exclusive won a major game of the year?

Cant wait for fallout 4 DLC. Dispite some issues i had with the game im really enjoying it. Hopefully i can dig into it a little more unlike most gamers i dont stay up all night to complete a game. Thats what u call addiction. No need to lose sleep over Videogames.

PGU: Rise of the Tomb Raider and Fallout 4 for me. Enjoying Rise of the tomb raider. Im glad i own both consoles or it would have sucked to wait.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

I think we have to go back to Uncharted 2 for that distinction.

Whoever withheld Lara from me deserves to be drug out into the street and shot.


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 11/15/2015 9:49:20 AM

TrueAssassin86x
TrueAssassin86x
8 years ago

@WorldEndsWithMe
After quick research on what you said u are correct Uncharted 2 game of the year 2009. I stand corrected

Snaaaake
Snaaaake
8 years ago

I think nowadays as long as the game is great no one would care if it's buggy cause there's always online patch which is sad because this just encourage developers to be lazy.(Looking at you Bethesda)


Last edited by Snaaaake on 11/15/2015 7:15:09 AM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

That's the way of the future snaaaaaake. Why finish a game when the internet means you can just make it "playable"?

Solid Fantasy
Solid Fantasy
8 years ago

So many nice games to chose from. Close to the end of Chrono Trigger on the Vita. There are a lot of things I wanted to do on The Witcher, but I was able to tear myself away to get back in Phantom Pain.

Really like the unique story dynamic, but Gamesradar was pretty accurate when they said it was the best and worst game of the year.

I haven't even started to mess around with the FOB or online component.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

Kudos. I have yet to finish Trigger.

Oxvial
Oxvial
8 years ago

Fallout 4.

Temjin001
Temjin001
5 years ago

Just did close to a 2 hour play session. That&#39s long for me. Very much enjoyed myself. It&#39s so dang immersive.
Definitely play with your Pip-Boy&#39s radio turned on. The music feels fitting.

Temjin001
Temjin001
5 years ago

I&#39m thinking if Cloud got revealed as an add-on character for a Nintendo game when the GameCube was still around, gamers would&#39ve reviled the idea, being bitter over the fact they never got FFVII in the first place.

Nothing would persuade me to believe the significantly messed up buggy launch version Witcher 3 was a little better than Bloodborne (I know. I owned both at launch). Had Witcher 3 never been patched over it&#39s launch code, heh, well, it would&#39ve been off my HDD for good with no looking back.

EDIT: It&#39s all about FO4 for me now. I bought the game today. Can&#39t wait to play it more tonight. Man I want this game on a VR headset!

Last edited by Temjin001 on 11/14/2015 10:07:18 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

Those cartoons were fantastic. The 50&#39s stuff is de best. I have a great and poster of Bettie Page from the leather days and B&W Wanna Ride? tin sign.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

Especially in the power armor son! Fallout 4 really makes me feel like I&#39m home. Home on the wasteland.

slow and smart
slow and smart
5 years ago

I&#39m playing the best of the best,Fallout4…that&#39s it

Last edited by slow and smart on 11/15/2015 3:15:52 AM

Jawknee
Jawknee
5 years ago

Will do. Thanks!

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

me 3!

TrueAssassin86x
TrueAssassin86x
5 years ago

@WorldEndsWithMe
After quick research on what you said u are correct Uncharted 2 game of the year 2009. I stand corrected

Jawknee
Jawknee
5 years ago

I haven&#39t played Fallout beyond the character development part in the beginning. The graphics aren&#39t as bad as I was expecting after all the articles about how they were bad. I quite enjoyed the little tutorial cartoons while it was installing. I do dig the 50&#39s theme in most media so I&#39m sure I&#39ll enjoy the game.

Haven&#39t even opened Bloodbourne yet. Kinda regretting getting it now that I&#39ve been reminded it&#39s a Demon Soulish title. I hated that game. Was just beyond frustrating. Meh, I&#39ll give it a chance though.

Toys R Us had some decent deals today. Picked up four rare amiibo I missed during the first wave launch for buy 1 get one half off.

Last edited by Jawknee on 11/15/2015 12:29:44 AM

TrueAssassin86x
TrueAssassin86x
5 years ago

Witcher 3 Wild Hunt has aready won 2 game of the years from 2 websites so i dont see that trend stopping anytime soon. And correct me if im wrong when was the last time a console exclusive won a major game of the year?

Cant wait for fallout 4 DLC. Dispite some issues i had with the game im really enjoying it. Hopefully i can dig into it a little more unlike most gamers i dont stay up all night to complete a game. Thats what u call addiction. No need to lose sleep over Videogames.

PGU: Rise of the Tomb Raider and Fallout 4 for me. Enjoying Rise of the tomb raider. Im glad i own both consoles or it would have sucked to wait.

Solid Fantasy
Solid Fantasy
5 years ago

So many nice games to chose from. Close to the end of Chrono Trigger on the Vita. There are a lot of things I wanted to do on The Witcher, but I was able to tear myself away to get back in Phantom Pain.

Really like the unique story dynamic, but Gamesradar was pretty accurate when they said it was the best and worst game of the year.

I haven&#39t even started to mess around with the FOB or online component.

Snaaaake
Snaaaake
5 years ago

I think nowadays as long as the game is great no one would care if it&#39s buggy cause there&#39s always online patch which is sad because this just encourage developers to be lazy.(Looking at you Bethesda)

Last edited by Snaaaake on 11/15/2015 7:15:09 AM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

Kudos. I have yet to finish Trigger.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

I think we have to go back to Uncharted 2 for that distinction.

Whoever withheld Lara from me deserves to be drug out into the street and shot.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 11/15/2015 9:49:20 AM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

What a week. I got the Liberian Strep throat, was mentally tortured by the people I swore an oath to, killed 20 years of anguish in my parents&#39 marriage, conquered almost all my fears, finally got back into anime, and now I have Fallout 4 in my possession. Plus things just keep getting better!

I&#39m so happy I almost don&#39t care if they ruin the battles in FFVII.

I think Ben is right about Witcher in the sense that it handicapped itself by trying to be everything to everyone.

I also agree about Fallout 4. While asking for how to make a great game (Square Enix) isn&#39t the proper way to make said great game, finding out what the people like is a fine way of making DLC and allowing in MODS.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

That&#39s the way of the future snaaaaaake. Why finish a game when the internet means you can just make it "playable"?

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

Yeah the music is one of the best parts except I&#39m not crazy about the nervous DJ on the first good radio station. 3Dawg was way better. Hopefully there are multiple many DJs with the good music on their stations later.

Oxvial
Oxvial
5 years ago

Fallout 4.

Jalex
Jalex
5 years ago

I was going to wait on &#39Fallout 4&#39 until Bethesda patched it up some, but my PlayStation Plus subscription is about to end, and Best Buy has a Black Friday deal that would allow me to get the game and three months of Plus for about $47. Hard to pass that up.

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