Ben-DutkaIt's that time of the week again. I'm in a relatively good mood so I should be able to bang this one out in record time (with no loss of quality!). 😉
To those who would boycott Final Fantasy XIII…
As most of you know by now, I've been a huge RPG fan all my life, even though I've certainly broadened my horizons over the past five years or so. Therefore, any news related to Final Fantasy XIII piques my interest, and I was certainly disappointed to learn that it won't come stateside until after April 2010 . However, after I wondered why we had to wait for the PS3 version if it was scheduled to be completed long before the 360 version, I saw an outpouring of Square-Enix hate. This isn't exactly surprising, considering the publisher's treatment of the Sony brand this generation, but I have something to add: I believe we indulge in our favorite hobby for the express purpose of entertainment, and I believe rewarding developers for quality products is essential (especially if we want to see more quality products). Now, even though we don't agree with S-E's business tactics these days, wouldn't it be counter-productive to boycott FFXIII? If it doesn't sell well on the PS3, wouldn't that give the publisher more incentive to ignore the console? Shouldn't we want to put the sales through the roof?
That's the problem with attempting to punish a company through boycotting the product, especially when your primary complaint is that this company ignores you too much. So if the game is going to be fantastic, and we want Square-Enix to pay more attention to the PS3, shouldn't we all flock to the stores? Regardless of when it comes out?
Yeah, I didn't need another GTA this year
Take-Two has just clarified rumors that said the new Grand Theft Auto would launch later this year ; obviously, this isn't going to happen. At first, I was excited to hear the rumor 'cuz I love GTA but as I was writing the story, I began to reflect a little bit. Thing is, while I've played – and loved – every installment since GTAIII, I realize that one experience satisfies me for quite a long time. I do go back and toy around in the games from time to time, but it's usually not until a few years have passed. See, as much as I gravitated towards the awesome '80s environment in Vice City , I didn't go back for more after finishing it until a good 18 months after it released. I have yet to go back to GTAIV, even though I'm relatively certain I'll want to throw it in again at some point. I just like to wander around and have fun, you know? And so, I'm suddenly not so disappointed that GTAV won't come out this year, because really…I'm all GTA-ed out. It's weird how this happens; maybe it has something to do with the length of time I spend with each installment. I dunno.
But boy, wouldn't I love to see Vice City 2 . I know it won't happen, but I can always dream. I can always dream about Tommy Vercetti's next step…which might be to expand his empire across the country!
Personal gaming update
So I've been too busy to start Prince of Persia after completing Gears of War 2 , but I've been considering a Left 4 Dead purchase. I keep hearing really good things about it, and even if it does come to the PS3, it's freakin' Valve…chances are, it'll be another crappy port like The Orange Box . If I don't get it, I'll just wait for Killzone 2 . Oh, and now that the original Suikoden is up there on the PlayStation Store, I have the urge to play through it again. I own the game, of course, but I haven't played it in a while…and just because I've gone through it at least a half-dozen times doesn't mean anything. I love it! I pride myself on being able to recruit all 108 Stars of Destiny without consulting a FAQ, although I bet I couldn't do it now… That damn Gremio will be dead 'cuz I didn't have enough recruited before Leknaat showed up to resurrect him…I just know it. LOL
Anyway, that's it. I'm back from a night out at the club, and I'd rather not repeat how much I dropped on liquor (and I don't even drink, goddamnit). But hey, entertainment – especially where girls are concerned – costs. Whatever. I used my claws, Arnold…the CLAWS! 😉
