Ben-DutkaOnly one day left in 2007! Let's see what has happened during the Christmas week.
GameFly is shaping up
I've been a member of this service for well over a year now, and I remember the dark, early days. See, at first, they only had a West coast distribution center, which meant I might not see any rented game for at least a week. However, it wasn't long before they opened up their East coast distribution center, and I now get the games within 2-4 days, which is more than acceptable. Furthermore, in all that time, I've only had one disc that was damaged – and it was a very old PS2 game – so the reliability is very good. But best of all, GameFly's prices for used games are second-to-none. GameStop charges an obscene amount for pre-played games; they're usually $5 less than whatever the new price is, meaning they'll charge $50 and $55 for used games that are still considered "new releases." But GameFly not only includes the box and manual with their games (you don't get those for rentals), they're also running a Year-End Sale that features used games up to 50% off and free shipping. This is a great deal, especially because their used prices are usually very reasonable to begin with.
I'm well aware that services like GameFly and Netflix are putting rental brick-and-mortar stores in dire straits, but I really don't care. Blockbuster has long since sucked, and so has just about every other major movie rental chain. Hey, you go with what works. You go with the best service for your money. And despite a few lingering problems (you may want to consider getting a LOT more copies of new releases, guys), GameFly is a darn good rental service.
DMC multiplatform, but still best on Sony's console?
After seeing all the recent evidence that would indicate the PS3 version of Devil May Cry 4 will be superior, perhaps the above question has been answered. I had long since planned to get the PS3 version, anyway, but that was only because I prefer the Sixaxis controller for games like this. Now, it seems those who played an early build of the action slash-fest say the PlayStation 3 version looks and plays better. This is something we can't say is true until the game hits store shelves, but it's still encouraging news for owners of Sony's next-gen console. Furthermore, with exclusive downloadable content on the way, what reason would I have to even consider the 360 version…? Look, I just want the best possible version, and if they're both identical, fine. But if there is a difference, it matters. This is why I'm playing the 360 version of The Orange Box ; the PS3 installment isn't anywhere near as bad as initially believed, but it's still not quite as good. Is there something wrong with wanting the best?
No, there isn't. And this is why I'm very close to recommending DMC4 on PS3 for everyone, provided that DLC is true and the game really does look and play better. If the two versions turn out identical – as Capcom keeps claiming – than it's just a matter of personal preference and which consoles you have. But if not… The PS3 version should be the way to go.
Personal gaming update
In case anyone cares, I got one hell of a Christmas gift- a 40" Samsung LCD HDTV with full 1080p high-def resolution. As of now, I have the PS3 hooked up with an HDMI cable and my 360 hooked up with high-def component HD cables (just because my old 360 doesn't have an HDMI port). All I can say is…wow. I've got The Orange Box running at 1080p, and I've already seen a couple 1080p trailers on the PS3 ( Gran Turismo 5: Prologue , for example). Tonight, I tossed in two of my new acquisitions for the PS3: Unreal Tournament 3 and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune . They just look absolutely downright drop-dead gorgeous in high-def, and I don't even care they max at 720p. I just can't believe how clear and beautiful the picture is, but then again, you have to remember I'm used to the old-fashioned 480p standard definition. I guess I'm just behind the times a bit, but I'm still reeling from that little experience…UT3 and Uncharted are breathtaking, plain and simple.
So anyway, I've got plenty to play now. Uncharted is up first, then I'll work my way through UT3 and The Orange Box , which will take me a good long time. I'm also getting back into Warhawk with my lovely new TV, and there are a couple other titles I want to get in the near future. But for now, I'm more than happy with what I've got. 🙂