E3 is just about here but I'm going to have to play catch-up on the news. I just hope they announce the new Red Dead . 🙂
I think we all knew Final Fantasy XII HD was coming
I remember hearing rumors for a while and most assumed it was a foregone conclusion. Now Square has announced The Zodiac Age for PlayStation 4.
I know it'll offer a bunch of improvements and stuff, and I really loved the Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster . However, while I'll probably get FFXII HD for PS4 just to have for my collection, I doubt I'll actually play it again. It's actually my least favorite series installment in terms of characters, storyline and atmosphere; I almost didn't care about any of that. At the same time, it was a logical, fantastic progression of the traditional turn-based gameplay, and the direction Square Enix should've maintained over the years.
A lot of people didn't like the License system but I really liked it, and being able to retain full control of your party within a hybrid real-time/turn-based structure made this one of the most in-depth, diverse, and rewarding RPG game structures ever. It's why I ended up putting over 120 hours into the game and beating everything, including the final optional boss, Yiazmat (took like 5 hours to whittle down his 50 million HP but I did it). I had a great time crafting an invincible party and it's entirely because of the gameplay construct. Now, if I really don't like any RPGs that come out in the future, I might actually go back and play this enhanced FF. It won't be high on my priority list, though.
No PS4 Neo at E3 but we know it exists
Sony has confirmed as much and I'm only mildly surprised. I really thought they'd unveil this thing at E3 and now that they're not, I wonder if it'll even come out this year. I'd assumed they wanted the upgraded system to be available alongside PlayStation VR but maybe not…? I don't know. I do know Sony didn't really say much in their confirmation of PS4 Neo, aside from what we already knew: That the upgraded console was designed for "hardcore gamers," that it was made with 4K HDTVs in mind, and that most, if not all, PS4 games would be available for it. They made it plain that all PS4 titles made in the future will be playable on the standard model, which is probably the right move. I assume anything high-end will be a guarantee for the PS4 Neo, anyway, so it's not like avid gamers have to worry.
I still have my doubts and I still don't want it this year, even if it makes it for the holiday period.
Watch Dogs 2 looks pretty good
I just saw the debut trailer for the recently announced Watch Dogs sequel and it's encouraging. I was a fan of the original production but it just didn't stick with me. I always thought the writers could've done a lot more with that script and those characters, and I'm not a huge futuristic/sci-fi lover, so it's hard for me to feel attached to such stories. There were a few minor gameplay idiosyncrasies I assume Ubisoft will iron out in the sequel, too, but that's not a huge deal. I also know they want this to be a very big hit; after all, without a new Assassin's Creed this year, Ubisoft needs something to fill the void. And AC always sells a lot of copies…I doubt Watch Dogs 2 can sell as many. Well, it could, if it's advertised enough, I suppose.
Personal gaming update
I'm not sure I'm going to finish Doom . As fun as it is, it's starting to feel like too much of a chore. And with a really boring story and a lot of repetitive environments, I'm starting to tire of the experience. I respect the old-school approach and I don't mind the challenge, but the word "fun" isn't popping into my head anywhere near as often as it did when I first started. I just think my gaming preferences have changed over the years and on top of which, the industry has changed, too. I like retro throwbacks as much as the next aging gamer, but Doom sort of showed me I've become pretty attached to the more modern productions. They're simply deeper and more rewarding on different levels, that's all.
And now that I have Mirror's Edge Catalyst , which I really do like a lot, I may not go back to Doom . Catalyst is super fun and for the most part, it's the sequel I wanted. I think there's too much of a focus on combat – as I'd predicted in the past – and the puzzle element is scaled way back but otherwise, it's a great advancement. This time, Faith has skill trees and gear, and far more skills, and we're in a (mostly) open environment. The times you have to beat in order to get three stars on some of the delivery missions are a little ridiculous, but I've managed. 🙂
Plus, I've got to get to the Blood and Wine expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt , which is likely next on my list after Catalyst .
I'm really excited for FF XII. I still have the poster on my wall from my uncle when he bought me the game. He must've bought me a special edition or something and I never knew how cool that was! Came with a mini-book and some others.
PGU:Blood and Wine,man it's biiiiig,AND finally,
little spoiler here….:
finally your own house and the ability to display 3x trophy's/5x armor/8x weapon ,great.
I reckon I'll need the Neo since I already ordered the VR bundle and I want to get a 4K TV around black friday.
Can't find a game to play and stick with. I have so many. Maybe I'm gamed out and need a break. Keep putting off making Uncharted 4 progress for mental reasons. Decided to play some Spider-Man on Dreamcast for a bit 🙂
That kind of sounds like a strange bind to be in. Some years we don't have the real big hitters till the fall. So running out the classics goes well during the summer, or it at least it should but the e3 trailer show down of June always makes the classics feel more dated and less nostalgic. Or maybe I'm just over thinking it.
What's crazy is the summer isn't a dead zone anymore. Even without No Man's Sky, I still get Star Ocean 5 at the end of the month. I'm almost certain that will keep my attention.
I keep putting off finishing Uncharted 4 too… Trying to savor that ending….
Bethesda's E3:
Fallout 4 dlc with 2 workshops[1 with armor/weapon racks and 1 with the ability to build your own vault and you can do experiments on dwellers :)] and Nuka world [This is the last dlc,release in june/july/august].
Skyrim remastered with mods[release oct.].
Prey game[release 2017].
Some kind of hint of a next Wolfenstein game["The next Colossus ??].
Also a new Quake game,Quake Champions
A lot of info about Dishonored 2,looks great!.
Also:Doom dlc/The elder scrolls Legends campaign/Fallout 4 and Doom VR.
Last edited by slow and smart on 6/13/2016 9:27:16 AM
[Fallout 4 VR edition coming to HTC Vive]
Best part about Doom for me, is running around letting the room fill with enemies and then unleashing the BFG. Still the greatest weapon experience in the history of gaming.
Ah, don't have the BFG yet.
I rather they make Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy 6 in HD
Never got into FF12, not sure if I want to give it a spin with the new HD coming out or not.
I would like a Morrowind Remaster over Skyrim.
Been playing some FF14 Online Heavensward.
Glad to hear you are still keeping games going in your world, Ben (even if they aren't your main focus any longer). I'm curious as to whether you will say what your new venture is now?
PGU: Wrapping up UC4. WOW!
I'm really excited for FF XII. I still have the poster on my wall from my uncle when he bought me the game. He must've bought me a special edition or something and I never knew how cool that was! Came with a mini-book and some others.
That kind of sounds like a strange bind to be in. Some years we don't have the real big hitters till the fall. So running out the classics goes well during the summer, or it at least it should but the e3 trailer show down of June always makes the classics feel more dated and less nostalgic. Or maybe I'm just over thinking it.
What's crazy is the summer isn't a dead zone anymore. Even without No Man's Sky, I still get Star Ocean 5 at the end of the month. I'm almost certain that will keep my attention.
PGU:Blood and Wine,man it's biiiiig,AND finally,
little spoiler here….:
finally your own house and the ability to display 3x trophy's/5x armor/8x weapon ,great.
I keep putting off finishing Uncharted 4 too… Trying to savor that ending….
Bethesda's E3:
Fallout 4 dlc with 2 workshops[1 with armor/weapon racks and 1 with the ability to build your own vault and you can do experiments on dwellers :)] and Nuka world [This is the last dlc,release in june/july/august].
Skyrim remastered with mods[release oct.].
Prey game[release 2017].
Some kind of hint of a next Wolfenstein game["The next Colossus ??].
Also a new Quake game,Quake Champions
A lot of info about Dishonored 2,looks great!.
Also:Doom dlc/The elder scrolls Legends campaign/Fallout 4 and Doom VR.
Last edited by slow and smart on 6/13/2016 9:27:16 AM
I reckon I'll need the Neo since I already ordered the VR bundle and I want to get a 4K TV around black friday.
Can't find a game to play and stick with. I have so many. Maybe I'm gamed out and need a break. Keep putting off making Uncharted 4 progress for mental reasons. Decided to play some Spider-Man on Dreamcast for a bit 🙂
I rather they make Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy 6 in HD
[Fallout 4 VR edition coming to HTC Vive]
Best part about Doom for me, is running around letting the room fill with enemies and then unleashing the BFG. Still the greatest weapon experience in the history of gaming.
Never got into FF12, not sure if I want to give it a spin with the new HD coming out or not.
I would like a Morrowind Remaster over Skyrim.
Been playing some FF14 Online Heavensward.
Ah, don't have the BFG yet.
Glad to hear you are still keeping games going in your world, Ben (even if they aren't your main focus any longer). I'm curious as to whether you will say what your new venture is now?
PGU: Wrapping up UC4. WOW!