It's an ongoing debate that always returns when yet another game with a huge required install comes around. But in this case, it's merely a demo…
That awesome Final Fantasy XIII demo that shipped with certain versions of the Japanese Blu-Ray release of "Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children?" It seems it takes up over 5GB of space on your PlayStation 3, and this has caused a minor uproar of sorts: if the demo takes 5 gigs, what might the final game take…? Some of the more critical are bringing up specific quotes made by Square-Enix in the recent past, where they talk about using the PS3's HDD to their full advantage. Somebody once asked them to provide a number; i.e., exactly how much space will be used for a required install, but S-E said that hadn't been determined yet. Now, we know there are many who always call this a non-issue, as they just tell everyone to go out and pick up a bigger hard drive. Well, that's always an option, of course, but it quickly eats into Sony's claims of the PS3 being worth more for your money. The Xbox 360 version of FFXIII may span about 73 discs or something, but it's the PS3 owners who may have to worry about available HDD space, and a new hard drive isn't that cheap.
We're not sure where you stand on the issue, but we do have to admit, 4 and 5GB installs can eat up a whole lot of space very quickly. Obviously, we shouldn't infer too much from the demo in the first place, but when it comes out that an hour's worth of gameplay takes up 5 gigs…well, people are gonna talk.
Related Game(s): Final Fantasy XIII
5GB!!! WTF S-E!
I don't care how big/small your Hard Drive is…5GB install for a demo DISK is unacceptable.
A direct download demo?…sure why not. But for a disk install on an HOUR LONG DEMO???!!!…A DEMO???!!!! Get off the cocaine S-E.
The S-E comedy routine continues. Wonder what their next joke will be…
Last edited by King James on 4/17/2009 12:42:04 PM
Get over it, hdd r cheap, i payed £40 for 250gig internal sata. If not delete old data, demos or vids. If installs improve the load times or run of the game then im 100% for them
VERY true and I dun mind getting a giant harddrive… But – you know I have cable internet with Cogeco… and yes it is CABLE (and only cable in this city)! They limit my EVERYTHING (upload/download) to 60GB…. so pretty much I'm always POOF no internet and I can't have that. Honestly the last thing I need is something bigger than 10GB or something to download
you shouldnt have to micromanage your data just to play a new game.
im willing to go 10GB but anymore and this game is a no buy for me.
my ps3 is 60gb 'entertainment' machine as far as im concerned, not a FFXIII player.
and in these economical times, not EVERYONE can afford to buy a new hard drive just because of one game.
I'm sure they'll just do like metal gear and have you install in blocks.
If not who cares I got hard drive space.
Last edited by fundando on 4/16/2009 11:15:30 AM
I'm not too worried about it.. I can't see the final product taking up much more than that unless it is on multiple blu-rays.. which would be awesome anyways. I will clear space for this game if I have to.
"multiple blu-rays"??????
how's that possible,it should fit on a 50GB dual-layer blu-ray disc.
If it's small enough for 360 DVD's then we'll never need multi/layered Blu-ray discs.
I bought a brand new 5400rpm 320gb for my laptop (compatible with ps3) a few weeks ago for $75 Canadian. Sure it is 75 dollars I wouldn't have to shell out for my ps3 if it came with a larger HD, but it is far more bang for the buck than upgrading to the 160gb drive (unless you absolutely need the Uncharted bundle, which I can totally understand, <3 Drakes)
Either way, they can't consider breaking the limit imposed by the 20gb models presence in Japan.
Where'd you get a 320 for 75 bux? That's really good.
You can get a 320GB at 5400rpm off newegg for $75. $112 for 7200rpm, or $137 for 500GB.
I don't understand why they are using the HDD as much as they are, with the capacity that a blu-ray disc can hold. Are they saying that even 50 gig of maximum space is not enough that they have to have us install at least 5 gigs of space to play it?
If this holds true, then I can only imagine the 360 to have at least 5 discs. But even then, they still would have to have some kind of install too right? Or will the 360 have some kind of compressed data?
Something is going on here that needs to be fixed. Having us to install files this big pretty much makes the blu-ray's 50gig of capacity useless.
There is a considerable performance gain from HDD installs as the access and loading time off the HDD is much better than off of optical drives, BD or DVD.
I would rather have an optional install (like SFIV) than mandatory, but optional installs prove how much faster the HDD can be (again, reference SFIV)
Last edited by JofaMang on 4/16/2009 11:30:22 AM
Well lost odyssey had 4 disks so this wouldn't be the first time they had to do this.
Ben I would have to argue the case on a new Harddrive, I bought a 320GB harddrive for my PS3, for only 89.99 off of newegg.com. Honestly, I understand the article, and I understand the pain, but as a guy who upgraded, I could care less if the game was a 20GB install, I have so much free space, thanks to Sony allowing me to upgrade, that I can help but not care. Sorry folks for those of you who are in worry, but be thankful that Sony didn't make it proprietary with the harddrive and allows you to upgrade it.
320g SATA2 HDD FTW. Thank God for easily upgradeable HDD's in the PS3, eh? Would hate to have a console that had like..I dunno, proprietary drives that were exceedingly expensive. That just sounds asinine.
Morne
I did the same. 320gb HDD, its wonderful. Thank you Sony.
Thank God I don't own a 360, I would hate to have multiple disk and have a 20gig hdd. M$ sucks.
Multiple disks and a 20GB HDD does suck. I love Lost Odyssey but every time I have to change discs I have to uninstall the last disc install the new disc and then play. I could just not install the game to the HDD but then it sounds like a jet engine taking off behind my TV. The install to HDD was a good idea and I like it I just hate that upgrading the HDD in a 360 costs me a full day of pay.
Hell, I remember playing 4-disc games,
like Wing Commander for one.
And I also remember playing another PS1 game that had was 5 discs long(the name escapes me right now though).
The demo (PS3 specific) takes 5GB? Good god, how on earth are we expected to believe that porting the game to 360 will have no effect on the PS3 version and that there won't be any difference between the two. As you point out Ben, it'll need several DVDs on 360 if the resources required for a single hour of game play take 5GB.
I really hope I am wrong, but I am suspecting that the 'full fat' PS3 specific version of the game will arrive in Japan, and then some months later the rest of the world will be treated to the re-implemented and ported semi-skimmed version that can be ported to the 360. If that turns out to be the case SquEnix will have lost any chance of regaining any of the respect they have squandered in recent year.
Like I said, I hope I am wrong, but it feels more and more that the version of FF XIII released outside Japan may be the same on both PS3 and 360, but may not be the same as what is released in Japan.
I can only see one thing SE might do with the international version; less FMV sequences. The more FMVs they have, the more voice translations required. If they simply cut out these scenes, then they would save money all around.
Would SE do this to their high profile title? Doubt it. The Japanese PS3 version is nearing completion. The only thing left to do for the US/Europe versions are localizing. While they translate all the text and voice acting to English (which will probably take a very long time) they will port the 360 version. If they include all FMV sequences in the 360, it'll take at least 5 DVD9s.
Something I noticed with the demo vids, even the real-time cut scenes are using voice. They could save space if they left these parts to just text.
This'll probably be the 2nd 360 game to require an install (remember FFXI). They may install the full game data and run all the FMVs off the discs.
One thing is for sure, they will compress the hell out of that game for the 360.
I would have to say the only thing PS3 owners should be upset about is the added delay caused by waiting for the 360 port to complete.
Never thought of that one before, maybe SE will try to keep it underraps so no one finds out that the Japanese FF13 is much better than the American and Euro one, haha. It'd be quite the blow though and I don't think SE would want to put themselves in anymore crap then what they're already in.
I just ordered my import copy today… anyone know if the bluray movie will include subtitles? Man I hope so.
The blu-ray is fully voiced in english buddy. So no worries.
REALLY?! That's a huge relief! Just one question, how did you find out?
I think PSX did a article on it, but yes it has everything it needs on it, due to the fact that they already had access to both set of voices previously due to the movie being out already. But yeah, full dub, full subtitle, full HD 😛
Makes sense. Thanx!
I am really, really curious how this is going to pan out on 360. Five gigs FOR THE DEMO? They are going to have to compress the hell out of this game for it to fit onto a few 360 DVDs!
i dont see the problem. i got 240 gigs to spare lol
That doesn't suprise me, i think this game is going to take up a lot of HDD but whatever as long as the game is worth that space i'm cool with that.
This is getting ridiculous. So I guess the final build is gonna have a 20gb install? WTF the Demo is 5 gb?????????????? I think they should put the whole thing on the blueray PERIOD! I know that the installs are really for faster loading times and all, but I wish they optimize it on a dual layer blueray disc or something. Cause I dont feel like paying for a 100gb hardrive and UP. I could of got more PS3 games for the price of that. Plus Im running out of room on my 60gb. So no Demo for me!
Can't be more than 15-18gb 😛 since that's the ps3's 20gb limit area.
If you pay more than $89 for a 500 gig 2.5 HD you're getting ripped off.
You can get that Black Cloud PS3 bundle right now for only 649.99$ + shipping.. 😛 lol look how epic it is, http://image4.play-asia.com/640/8c/pa.150493.2.jpg & http://image1.play-asia.com/640/8c/pa.150493.3.jpg
For those of you lobbying for the hard drive, adding $75 – $95 onto the price of a PS3 isn't helping Sony's position, no matter which way you slice it.
Personally, I hate this whole "install onto HDD" stuff. I just want to play the damn game.
I'm with you Ben, I shouldn't HAVE to upgrade just to play some games, unless maybe I have tons and tons of info already on there. It's dumb to say "well I don't mind I have X gigs left" because not everyone does or wants to upgrade yet since I could get a couple games for the price of that hard drive and enjoy them quite a bit more.
I agree, mostly. I like having the option (key word: option) to install the game. If it'll help load times and it's a game that I know I will be playing for a while, then I want shorter load times. Although, the mandatory short installs from Insomniac games aren't so bad.
What irritates me is the issue of running out of space and having to delete game data just to make room for the next new title. Then if I ever want to pop that old one back in, I have to wait for the install. Anyone with a large game library will know that even 160GBs can get eaten up pretty quickly. Glad I've dished out the dough for a 320GB. Now maybe I won't have to worry so much…
Definitely.
I have no problem with optional installs – I'd be happy to install most any game data as I have the space – now – but if I was still limited to 40GB I'd spend more time trying to decide what to removed from the HDD than playing the darned game. With an optional install, I can play the game either way, and if I want better load times I can run the installation – at a time of my choosing.
The other option is caching frequently used game assets. Caching bits of the game to a semi-permanent game cache is kind of like a stealth install. If it's handled right, the cached data persists until the space is needed by another game.
However, the mandatory 20 minute 5GB installs are annoying and tie up too much space on already crowded 40GB HDDs.
I hate mandatory installs too.
No offense Ben, but it's called a job, and many of us PS3 owners have one. Which means, expendable income, which in turn means the ability to purchase items of our choosing. As sentient beings with said expendable capital, it seems fairly obvious that upgrading a multimedia gaming machine to a larger harddrive for pennies on the gigabyte, is a wise and well thought out decision. As opposed to purchasing a 120g proprietary drive from 'other' sources, at a severe markup.
Morne
I agree a game for a console shouldn't require an upgrade. However, like with the old Playstations you either have to delete old saved files to make way for new ones or buy another memory card.
With that in mind the 20GB PS3 should not need an upgrade just to play the game so in my opinion the install better be less than what would be able to fit on there. It really shouldn't take up more than 75% at max.
Ben,
Damn, I got to agree with you there!
I just got my PS3 & WOW, what a shocker I was in for.
I'm used to the "tray, then play", but now with almost every game out of the 17 games I bought, I had to wait,…….& wait,……& wait some more for these LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG winded installs.
And forget about me D/L'ing demo's from the PSN, a 1200MB one took me over 8 hours to download, then more time to install that one too. And then, I finally try to play it & it says that I can't play, cause I'm going to need some upgraded files.
WTF, I'm glad my hair already went pre-maturely white years a go, otherwise I could wound up with a serious case of instantanious male pattern baldness.
I never would have believed that my 756 DSL just wasn't going to be up to snuff. And I can't afford higher broadband right now.
That is….unless of course, I can find some used broadband on Craigslist or Ebay, LMAO
And you can quote me, when I tell you that these damned installs are "slower than a centipede without snowshoes, in a Artic blizzard" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WANNA PLAY TODAY & NOT HAVE TO WAIT TILL TOMORROW, DAMN IT!
Last edited by BikerSaint on 4/16/2009 10:00:00 PM
There's a poll topic for you. Do your readers mind lengthy game installations on the PS3.
Options could be something like this.
A) I'm primarily a console gamer and I do mind lengthy installation times on the PS3.
B) I'm primarily a console gamer and I don't mind lengthy installation times on the PS3.
C) I'm primarily a PC gamer and I do mind lengthy installation times on the PS3.
D) I'm primarily a PC gamer and I don't mind lengthy installation times on the PS3.
I'd fall under C.
Ben, I completely agree with you on this.
As much as I love good quality, there comes a point when things just get ridiculous. A game is supposed to be… well, a GAME. Something fun to to play. With my tiny little 40GB PS3 I'm not even sure I'll be able to play this. And, even with are fast internet speed, this will take FOREVER to download.
I work part time at a library. I'm seventeen. I don't get any money from my parents… so, how am I supposed to afford a whole new HDD? I mean, the PS3 is already an expensive item…
Last edited by SplendidBlended on 4/18/2009 8:16:36 PM
This does help Sony's case, you see they give you the ability to upgrade your harddrive. Would you rather spend 150 bucks for a 120GB harddrive for the Xbox 360? Or 89 bucks for a 320GB harddrive for your PS3. Sure it's a minor setback, but think of it this way, in the end who has to worry about installs? Not me.
LOL!!! It's not a linear distribution in storage space, man…
5gigs for a 1-hour demo *DOES NOT( translate to 25gigs for a 5 hour game… hahaha
It's 5gigs cuz it has to include all the base code and textures and stuff. The actual demo portion is probably just a mere 750megs or slightly more.
Well, I guess I'll be the resident optimist and hope that this is just because this old build wasn't running smoothly and it needed to read certain info quickly off the HDD to function properly.
If that's not the case then 5 gigs per hour of play comes to about 300 gigs for a 60 hour game, and I just don't see that happening. As for 360, they should save themselves the headache and just cancel it. It just doesn't seem plausible anymore, then again it may force people to buy MS hard drives and MS will like that a lot.
Gotta remember, "SE uses 100% of sony's machine" 😛 lol, maybe when they say 100% they mean as in, they used EVERYTHING from the ps3, not the ps3's power? But yeah, that 5gb is probably filled with Malicious Coding to make the PS3 processor cry, haha.