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Ben’s Week In Review: September 13

People say summer is almost over. I say I won't be happy until the average daily temperature is well below 60.

Mirror's Edge: Catalyst Collector's Edition too pricey? I guess

Firstly, let me say I haven't bought any sort of special or collector's edition in years. I actually can't remember the last one I purchased. I definitely would've bought more back in the day, had they existed (like for every PS1 Final Fantasy ) but I can't see spending the money these days.

That being said, I'm not sure I understand the complaints concerning the prices of these special collections. People obviously don't like the $200 price tag for that Mirror's Edge: Catalyst Collector's Edition ; the general consensus is that the little collectible trinkets aren't worth the cost. Well, it has to be worth it for some people, right? I mean, these companies aren't interested in pricing something to the point where it's unattractive, where it doesn't make the publisher a healthy profit. You can't call it "price-gouging" because it's purely a luxury item and it isn't necessary for life; if you don't want it, if you think it's too expensive, don't buy it. That's the surest – and maybe only – way of ensuring cheaper special editions in the future. See, that's how a market works.

I think the biggest hurdle down the road will be the increasing lack of collectors. They say there will be a time when digital eradicates physical media . If that's true, it stands to reason that many gamers won't even associate their hobby with having a real library. A game can be a file on a screen, sure, but a figurine or some other limited edition bonus can't be. It's my belief that the overwhelming majority of people buying these expensive collector's editions are collectors and 99 percent of them are proud of their physical library of games and aren't looking forward to the days of all digital. At that point, I guarantee it'll be harder to sell these special launch bundles.

Hearts of Stone is a top priority for me in October

I basically never buy DLC or expansions. I think I've bought two in my entire life and I've certainly never bought a Season Pass or anything like that. And yet, I'll be all over the Hearts of Stone expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt when it launches next month . It's hard to find story-based single-player expansions and almost impossible to find one that adds a reported 10+ hours of gameplay. This is why I'll definitely get Hearts of Stone and I can't wait to see if there are some challenges included in that extra content. My Lv. 37 Geralt fully outfitted with Mastercrafted Wolven Armor (and blades) and various Superior potions (love Dancing Star and Thunderbolt) killed everything with ease. There's nothing left to fight. But as the missions in the expansion are designed for Lv. 30+ characters, I'm expecting something tougher.

Actually, the only other October game I really care about is Assassin's Creed Syndicate . It's a little odd that the majority of the huge titles this fall arrive in November; in the past, October has been the busiest month. Doesn't seem that way this year, as Fallout 4 , Star Wars: Battlefront , Need for Speed , Call of Duty: Black Ops III , Rise of the Tomb Raider , etc. all drop in the 11th month.

Personal gaming update

Mad Max can be lots of fun but really, it can't compete with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain . It's just night and day. In between, just as a relaxer, I'm actually playing a fun old PS2 game, Splashdown . I saw it for four bucks last week and I figured I could use something like that, as arcade-style sports and racing games are few and far between these days. I sort of miss games like Jet Moto , Destruction Derby , ATV Off-Road , and some later titles like Split/Second , Burnout and MotorStorm . Not everything has to be a simulator but whatever.

I've also been playing NHL 16 because I need to do a review for it, and I'm looking forward to trying Leo's Fortune . I have it downloaded but I haven't gotten to it yet.

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Temjin001
Temjin001
9 years ago

Totally feeling the same thing about the extreme sports genre. I saw an H2O Overdrive arcade unit the other day (a pseudo sequel to Hydro Thunder) and it was something I would've bought on console. Even games like San Francisco Rush, Road Rash or that Xtreme Sports PSX franchise were good fun for their time. They wouldn't even need to be full priced offerings. Just quality made stuff.
I saw Riptide GP2 is coming PS4-side, over from mobile, which isn't a half bad water racer but it still isn't what I want fully.
Where's Nintendo's Wave Race (or even F-Zero)? Where's Sony's Motorstorm? Yea, Kart racers are fun but bring the variety back.

PGU: Been on this crazy Neo-Geo kick with their classic fighters like Art of Fighting and Fatal Fury etc. I also love the Metal Slug's. Good grief. BUY Metal Slug 1 and 2 on Sony's 20th anniversary sale. You'll get every pennies worth.


Last edited by Temjin001 on 9/12/2015 10:19:14 PM

Nerull
Nerull
9 years ago

Hearts of Stone and Syndicate are also the only games on my immediate radar.

I think Mad Max would deserve less criticism if it had a longer story. Roaming the wasteland and upgrading your car can take a good while, but the actual time you're doing missions seems pretty scant.

While most are drooling over the phantom pain, and I'm sure it offers many hours of content, it just doesn't excite me whatsoever.

Jawknee
Jawknee
9 years ago

"While most are drooling over the phantom pain, and I'm sure it offers many hours of content, it just doesn't excite me whatsoever."

O.O

Nerull
Nerull
9 years ago

It's partly just the setting. I prefer fighting gassed up war boyz with thunderpoons rather than soldiers or terrorists.
I imagine the bosses are fun in TPP.

FM23
FM23
9 years ago

Nerull, I definitely found Mad Max's openworld more enjoyable and the "atmosphere" better than TPP. I aslo like the fact that in Mad Max, you don't really visit the same area more than twice while TPP has you revisit the same area for main ops and side ops alot. Mainly due the fact that Mad Max has no story, just a "driving theme" to engage you in the physical narrative of your violence. So of course they give you all this "busywork" to indulge in.

Where as in MGSV, the world has to make sense because MGSV is grounded more in reality. Mad Max's "territories" make no sense as everyone is hostile every where. Then you have "no destination" convoys that travels in the same huge circle until you take them out with your car. Its' s all great fun, but makes no sense, like driving a gas guzzler in the dessert where fuel is limited!!!

TPP, compared to Mad Max, has a far better story, more advanced gameplay, "cinematic" cinematics, unlimited gagdets, and ultimate player control/freedom. But somehow, that thirst for a V8, vehicular combat, and Max's "survival" in the wasteland won me over.

Too bad alot of Mad Max revolves around on foot combat because I loved causing havoc in my Magnum Opus, but the combat is good fun in its simplified way. At least a punch in Mad Max doesn't knock you your back. 😉 When it comes to fun factor, Mad Max offers it in a simple package that in my opinion is more appealing than the seriousness/complexity of MGSV when you come hone from work.


Last edited by FM23 on 9/13/2015 12:46:33 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

Thats cuz the Phantom Pain is not exciting, boy I could make peace with Iran before you can even get in position.

Jawknee
Jawknee
9 years ago

Man, I've been grinding away at the side op missions. They're addictive! Ha. I've only competed 17 main missions and I'm almost done building mother base. Only have 5 more platforms to build.

I was disappointed when I learned Konami dropped real weapons from the game but the virtually unlimited customize system has made up for it. 🙂 So many possibilities and ways to combine newer attachments with older(less GMP consuming) weapons.

I also love how heavy and natural the vehicles feel. So awesome just traveling around Afghanistan in a tank.

FM23
FM23
9 years ago

The vehicles are surprisingly well weighted and well tuned. Drove my first armored vehicle with rocket launchers yesterday. Destroyed everything in sight. They did a good job making it feel so destructive.

Driving a jeep though is just as engaging as driving that military vehicle in GT5!!! Haha

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

How do you play? It felt like it would take 17 years to do what you've done. I have to move so slow. But then that's why I'm not great at serious stealth games.

Jawknee
Jawknee
9 years ago

Yes! That rocket armored vehicle is awesome. A lot of fun. Cruising through the fields in Africa in the jeep is good fun too. I've been trying to see how high I can launch it off a hill without blowing up the car when it crashes. Ha.

World, I've done mostly stealth but a fair share of blasting. I've gotten pretty quick at infiltrating a base or outpost, tranqin' everyone and grabbing the goods. Especially after acquiring D-Dog. I've been fultoning everything like crazy too. Any solider when a A+ or higher rank I send him back to mother base along with any vehicles or weapons. I still have a long way to go. I've lost track of how many hours I've played so far and I'm only at 33% completion. Been hard to tear myself away from the side ops. Ha.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

I find it saves time and ramps up energy if I use the "freedom" that shouldn't be there to circle around the targets and eliminate the outer forces then just gun down the other A-holes.

I007spectre
I007spectre
9 years ago

Your right Mad Max can't compete with MGS5. Because I'm not playing MGS5.

CrusaderForever
CrusaderForever
9 years ago

I'll be buying Heart of Stone when I start my already purchased Witcher III play through. I just thought it best to wait until it was fixed. Now there is so many great games out I am now waiting for that swords/magic/monster need to arise. I know it will be my GOTY 2015.

PGU – having a blast with Mad Max! They nailed the whole apocalypse setting. The combat is so fun whether it be fighting or driving. Also have a ton of fun with the stellar Disney Infinity 3.0 with my son. You can seriously tell they put more work into the combat and driving. The combat combos from Ninja Theory are fun and work very well with the different characters. The combos are easy to pull off for instance tri, tri, pause, tri, tri. Asohka is my favorite along Yoda a close second. My son's favorite is Boba Fett. We just picked up Ezra and Kanan as well. Looking forward to the Episode 7 play set that releases later.

Counting down the days until The Taken King releases! I haven't played since The Dark Below launched so I am excited for all he changes. The leveling system and new strikes have my anticipation high. Going to pick up a can of Red Bull to get the Epic New Quest.

Have a great week everyone!

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

Hope you aren't into The Taken King for the story boy.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
9 years ago

Reviewed Phantom Pain, now I can delete it. I'm just bouncing around, still hoping Witcher will somehow capture my attention but at this point it's all blahh until Fallout 4 ya know?

I wish I had time to dedicate to Until Dawn but DMC4 Definitive is pretty damn sweet for the mission by mission gamer.

Personal thoughts: I'm tired of male protagonists.

xenris
xenris
9 years ago

DMC 4 is fantastic. I picked up DmC Definitive edition because I was in need of an action game, and I beat it and it was okay…but honestly…Ninja Theories games just feel off to me.

I liked Heavenly Sword but it felt simplistic, DmC felt soul less. The combat was okay but nothing compared to DMC 3 or 4.

Jawknee
Jawknee
5 years ago

"While most are drooling over the phantom pain, and I&#39m sure it offers many hours of content, it just doesn&#39t excite me whatsoever."

O.O

Nerull
Nerull
5 years ago

Hearts of Stone and Syndicate are also the only games on my immediate radar.

I think Mad Max would deserve less criticism if it had a longer story. Roaming the wasteland and upgrading your car can take a good while, but the actual time you&#39re doing missions seems pretty scant.

While most are drooling over the phantom pain, and I&#39m sure it offers many hours of content, it just doesn&#39t excite me whatsoever.

FM23
FM23
5 years ago

The vehicles are surprisingly well weighted and well tuned. Drove my first armored vehicle with rocket launchers yesterday. Destroyed everything in sight. They did a good job making it feel so destructive.

Driving a jeep though is just as engaging as driving that military vehicle in GT5!!! Haha

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

How do you play? It felt like it would take 17 years to do what you&#39ve done. I have to move so slow. But then that&#39s why I&#39m not great at serious stealth games.

Jawknee
Jawknee
5 years ago

Yes! That rocket armored vehicle is awesome. A lot of fun. Cruising through the fields in Africa in the jeep is good fun too. I&#39ve been trying to see how high I can launch it off a hill without blowing up the car when it crashes. Ha.

World, I&#39ve done mostly stealth but a fair share of blasting. I&#39ve gotten pretty quick at infiltrating a base or outpost, tranqin&#39 everyone and grabbing the goods. Especially after acquiring D-Dog. I&#39ve been fultoning everything like crazy too. Any solider when a A+ or higher rank I send him back to mother base along with any vehicles or weapons. I still have a long way to go. I&#39ve lost track of how many hours I&#39ve played so far and I&#39m only at 33% completion. Been hard to tear myself away from the side ops. Ha.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

Hope you aren&#39t into The Taken King for the story boy.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

Reviewed Phantom Pain, now I can delete it. I&#39m just bouncing around, still hoping Witcher will somehow capture my attention but at this point it&#39s all blahh until Fallout 4 ya know?

I wish I had time to dedicate to Until Dawn but DMC4 Definitive is pretty damn sweet for the mission by mission gamer.

Personal thoughts: I&#39m tired of male protagonists.

I007spectre
I007spectre
5 years ago

Your right Mad Max can&#39t compete with MGS5. Because I&#39m not playing MGS5.

CrusaderForever
CrusaderForever
5 years ago

I&#39ll be buying Heart of Stone when I start my already purchased Witcher III play through. I just thought it best to wait until it was fixed. Now there is so many great games out I am now waiting for that swords/magic/monster need to arise. I know it will be my GOTY 2015.

PGU – having a blast with Mad Max! They nailed the whole apocalypse setting. The combat is so fun whether it be fighting or driving. Also have a ton of fun with the stellar Disney Infinity 3.0 with my son. You can seriously tell they put more work into the combat and driving. The combat combos from Ninja Theory are fun and work very well with the different characters. The combos are easy to pull off for instance tri, tri, pause, tri, tri. Asohka is my favorite along Yoda a close second. My son&#39s favorite is Boba Fett. We just picked up Ezra and Kanan as well. Looking forward to the Episode 7 play set that releases later.

Counting down the days until The Taken King releases! I haven&#39t played since The Dark Below launched so I am excited for all he changes. The leveling system and new strikes have my anticipation high. Going to pick up a can of Red Bull to get the Epic New Quest.

Have a great week everyone!

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

I find it saves time and ramps up energy if I use the "freedom" that shouldn&#39t be there to circle around the targets and eliminate the outer forces then just gun down the other A-holes.

xenris
xenris
5 years ago

DMC 4 is fantastic. I picked up DmC Definitive edition because I was in need of an action game, and I beat it and it was okay…but honestly…Ninja Theories games just feel off to me.

I liked Heavenly Sword but it felt simplistic, DmC felt soul less. The combat was okay but nothing compared to DMC 3 or 4.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

Thats cuz the Phantom Pain is not exciting, boy I could make peace with Iran before you can even get in position.

Temjin001
Temjin001
5 years ago

Totally feeling the same thing about the extreme sports genre. I saw an H2O Overdrive arcade unit the other day (a pseudo sequel to Hydro Thunder) and it was something I would&#39ve bought on console. Even games like San Francisco Rush, Road Rash or that Xtreme Sports PSX franchise were good fun for their time. They wouldn&#39t even need to be full priced offerings. Just quality made stuff.
I saw Riptide GP2 is coming PS4-side, over from mobile, which isn&#39t a half bad water racer but it still isn&#39t what I want fully.
Where&#39s Nintendo&#39s Wave Race (or even F-Zero)? Where&#39s Sony&#39s Motorstorm? Yea, Kart racers are fun but bring the variety back.

PGU: Been on this crazy Neo-Geo kick with their classic fighters like Art of Fighting and Fatal Fury etc. I also love the Metal Slug&#39s. Good grief. BUY Metal Slug 1 and 2 on Sony&#39s 20th anniversary sale. You&#39ll get every pennies worth.

Last edited by Temjin001 on 9/12/2015 10:19:14 PM

Nerull
Nerull
5 years ago

It&#39s partly just the setting. I prefer fighting gassed up war boyz with thunderpoons rather than soldiers or terrorists.
I imagine the bosses are fun in TPP.

FM23
FM23
5 years ago

Nerull, I definitely found Mad Max&#39s openworld more enjoyable and the "atmosphere" better than TPP. I aslo like the fact that in Mad Max, you don&#39t really visit the same area more than twice while TPP has you revisit the same area for main ops and side ops alot. Mainly due the fact that Mad Max has no story, just a "driving theme" to engage you in the physical narrative of your violence. So of course they give you all this "busywork" to indulge in.

Where as in MGSV, the world has to make sense because MGSV is grounded more in reality. Mad Max&#39s "territories" make no sense as everyone is hostile every where. Then you have "no destination" convoys that travels in the same huge circle until you take them out with your car. Its&#39 s all great fun, but makes no sense, like driving a gas guzzler in the dessert where fuel is limited!!!

TPP, compared to Mad Max, has a far better story, more advanced gameplay, "cinematic" cinematics, unlimited gagdets, and ultimate player control/freedom. But somehow, that thirst for a V8, vehicular combat, and Max&#39s "survival" in the wasteland won me over.

Too bad alot of Mad Max revolves around on foot combat because I loved causing havoc in my Magnum Opus, but the combat is good fun in its simplified way. At least a punch in Mad Max doesn&#39t knock you your back. 😉 When it comes to fun factor, Mad Max offers it in a simple package that in my opinion is more appealing than the seriousness/complexity of MGSV when you come hone from work.

Last edited by FM23 on 9/13/2015 12:46:33 PM

Jawknee
Jawknee
5 years ago

Man, I&#39ve been grinding away at the side op missions. They&#39re addictive! Ha. I&#39ve only competed 17 main missions and I&#39m almost done building mother base. Only have 5 more platforms to build.

I was disappointed when I learned Konami dropped real weapons from the game but the virtually unlimited customize system has made up for it. 🙂 So many possibilities and ways to combine newer attachments with older(less GMP consuming) weapons.

I also love how heavy and natural the vehicles feel. So awesome just traveling around Afghanistan in a tank.