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Ben’s Week In Review: August 30

Some silly tropical storm below us dropped a buncha rain today, but that's okay. We're heading into the biggest part of the year for the industry!

How many PS3 exclusives can't be done on the Xbox 360?

There have been a large number of developers who have said, "'such-and-such title' can't be done on the Xbox 360," and the latest is Naughty Dog in regards to Uncharted 2: Among Thieves . It's clear that this particular studio loves the PS3 and its immense capability, but in looking back at 2009, I'm beginning to recall other studio executives and industry insiders who have said the exact same thing; who have made it plain that their vision could not have been realized without the Cell processor and other benefits of Sony's machine. I heard Sucker Punch say it when talking about inFamous , we heard Guerrilla say it all the time in reference to Killzone 2 , Hideo Kojima often mentioned it when talking about MGS4, and Quantic Dream just stated at GamesCom 2009 that Heavy Rain absolutely couldn't be produced on the Xbox 360. Now, all this being said, do you all remember when everyone was making fun of Sony, mocking the "hidden power" claim as they did with the PS2…?

Er…are we seeing it now? Yeah, I think so. What about Gran Turismo 5 ? Think Kazunori Yamauchi and Polyphony even considered the 360 with their grand plan? And what about Zipper Interactive choosing an online service to handle MAG ? And while I know SCEA Santa Monica (an internal studio) is handling God of War III , do you think they'd say anything different? My friends, I think it's clear: the age of the PS3 is upon us.

They're doing it to us again…not sure my heart can handle it

Two years ago, Arnold and I were sitting there watching the Tokyo Game Show conference, eagerly anticipating the announcement of a Final Fantasy VII remake. There had been plenty of evidence to support the possibility, which is why we were so…well, anticipatory. And then, a mere hour later, we walked away totally disappointed, and since then, we've always been disappointed again and again when the rumor arose. We soon learned to ignore it and just move on; we had to accept the fact that such a project simply wasn't going to happen. Then, Kitase went and said what he said , and silly us, we've stepped aboard the emotional roller-coaster once again. It almost seems inevitable that we'll end on a low note (the cars never stop at the top of those hills), and yet, we can't help but become excited and pray that this year's TGS holds the announcement we've all been waiting for. We know Square-Enix is going to hold one of their behind-closed-doors conferences during the show and perhaps that's when it will happen…

Well, even if it doesn't, they should at least confirm a Japanese and US release date for Final Fantasy XIII . Here's hoping that June 21, 2010 launch date is accurate…

Personal gaming update

So I went and did it today: I got the PS3 Slim. I traded in my Day 1 60GB PS3, got that $150 towards the Slim, and went home happy. Now, I know what a lot of you are going to say, but bear in mind a few things: I have a PS2 Slim always hooked up, and since I've gotten it, I always use it exclusively to play my PS2 and PS1 games (I have over 100 total titles in that combined library, and I still play them). Thing is, and I'm not sure if anyone has noticed this, but while the original 60GB PS3 was indeed fully b/c, I noticed the playback wasn't perfect. For example, I noticed a definite sound issue when playing a lot of PS1 software; Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is only one example of sound effects cutting off at certain times. There were other small issues, too; issues I never have when playing those games on my PS2. Heck, it's the one big reason I have the PS2 Slim and I love it; won't ever get rid of it. I also really like the look of the new PS3, the hard drive is twice as big as the one I'm used to, and I backed up all my save data on a simple flash drive to transfer it over. My downloaded stuff is attached to my PSN account, so I got all that back, too.

I also got a Dual Shock 3 out of it (the 60GB came with the Sixaxis, remember?). So I'm ready to go now. 🙂 As for games, Atlus is sending me the review copy for Demon's Souls this week – yay! – and there are plenty of games on the horizon. I'll be reviewing stuff like Katamari Forever , both hockey titles, both flight titles ( IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey and Heroes Over Europe ), and Afrika . It's crazy busy time for the next few months, so I figured I might as well have the updated system.

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frylock25
frylock25
15 years ago

oh my Ben you did what?!?! ur 60 gb? u gave it to them?!?! ok so i understand what ur sayin about it though. i personally dont play many ps2 games with all the ps3 games to be played and i have an 80 gb with b/c. i hope that 60 gb makes some one very happy 😉 lol. you did seem pretty excited about that deal in the article you wrote. not to suprised to find out you went for it. so did you not have a dualshock until now?

im torn on the ff7, i want a remake but i feel it will get changed somehow to make it not what i loved. i would still buy it.

i really feel the xbox will be surpassed and blown away, the xbox 360 will look more like the wii as time goes on. 360 could have been something great had those production errors been fixed before release. now it just looks like a joke. dont get me wrong i think its a cool system and has done a lot for gaming, but the system itself in design just feels rushed and not finished.

if the 360 were a car it would be a lemon


Last edited by frylock25 on 8/29/2009 10:20:38 PM

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
15 years ago

A FFVII remake will for sure have some negative aspects and wont please everyone. I can live with that, it's worth the risk to at least get a chance at playing through that game world again with better tech.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

I just got the Silver Dual Shock 3 from Sony a few weeks ago; that was the first DS3 controller I had. Now I have two. 😉

frylock25
frylock25
15 years ago

i agree i would love to see the game updated, it was one of my most played games ever. seeing those cutscenes way back then was just amazing. i had never played a ff game before that, but i fell in love and played 8 9 & 10 as they came out. 7 will always be my fav though, the materia setup was just so simple and fun. now a days a lot of games are spoken instead of the novels they used to be. that would change that game completly.

ben do u still have ur non dualshock six axis? they seam like they will be rare in a few years lol


Last edited by frylock25 on 8/29/2009 11:31:37 PM

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

Yeah, I have one left.

Zorigo
Zorigo
15 years ago

talking 60gb, i dont understand why you didn't buy the ps3 slim, full price, then sell that 60gb on ebay, you woulda made more than a $150, and you coulda sold some old game/s you didn't like.

th0mas21
th0mas21
15 years ago

I agree with Zorigo, i just did a "what its worth" price check on Ebay for our 60GB ps3 and came up with $271 for the avg selling price. practically gets you a new ps3 that drains almost half the power… im in the same boat, 60GB launch ps3, but rarely play ps2/1 games… i may have to consider this

kevinater321
kevinater321
15 years ago

I completely agree with you, and that happens with almost all ps3 exclusives. The developers always say that that game cannot be done on the Xbox 360. And every time i hear that i smile to myself and mock my cousin. But i can't agree with you trading in your ps3. You just spent 150 bucks for a 150 gig hard drive and a smaller system. Oh well your choice.

frylock25
frylock25
15 years ago

maybe Bens week in review next week will have a section called "what have i done, i miss my 60gb" lol 😉

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
15 years ago

Even IF Kitase's comments are to be taken to heart, then I still wouldn't expect a VII remake to be announced at TGS man. Give it two more years at least before you get your panties in a bunch, they wouldn't announce a game that hasn't even had a chance to undergo early development phases. I have a feeling we will see Kingdom Hearts 3 before FFVII Redux. Hang in there and believe.


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/29/2009 10:30:38 PM

tes37
tes37
15 years ago

I believe the developers who say their games aren't possible on an xbox 360. They should know.

I haven't finished FFVII yet, so I'm one of the few who gets to wait on a remake with more patience.

Don't let anyone tell you that you made a mistake trading your ps3 Ben. It's your ps3, and your money, so it's entirely your decision what to do with it.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
15 years ago

Your logic is flawed. No ones disputing the fact that it's his decision, simply commenting on whether or not it was a good idea. (from a money standpoint it wasn't)

tes37
tes37
15 years ago

What's flawed about an opinion or doing what you want to do with your own money? Your logic may be what's flawed.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
15 years ago

It's flawed because you're saying anyone that questions his decision is questioning his ability to make a decision which is incorrect. Pretty narrow minded to refuse advice on such flawed grounds.

tes37
tes37
15 years ago

You need to reread that because that's not what it says.

Why do you find something negative to say to the majority of people who comment here? You never hardly speak civilized to anyone. So I'd appreciate it if you avoid me. Thank you.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
15 years ago

You're taking things far too personal on a videogame website. Sorry but the real world is full of people with differing opinions. I wasn't being mean spirited or personally attacking you, simply correcting what I felt was an obvious flaw aimed at me and others that believe Ben got scammed by Gamestop.

tes37
tes37
15 years ago

I apologize. You're right, I should lighten up.

But, Ben consciously gave up his ps3, there is no scam involved.

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
15 years ago

I don't blame Ben either

I've ALWAYS SAID in this website that everyone should play their damn ps2 games on a ps2. And ps1 games can be played in all Sony consoles.

I do agree 'bout the sound issues ps1 games have on the ps3. Those which haven't been released on the PSN store.

Anyway ps3 > everything else in this Generation anyway

It's already clear

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
15 years ago

I will NEVER give away my 60gig PS3.

KingRed
KingRed
15 years ago

I agree Limited. I just could not give my 60 away. Plus I like B/C on my Ps3. Only reason I don't use my Ps2 is because my friend has it.


Last edited by KingRed on 8/29/2009 11:45:03 PM

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
15 years ago

Forgot to mention, Ben you must be made of money. You could easily sell your original 60 gig PS3 on ebay for $400 dollars.

This is a pretty decent deal for those with PS3s lacking BC but for those that do you're being taken to the cleaners.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

They're not being "taken to the cleaners" if they have a PS2 Slim like I do. There's zero benefit to keeping it; it doesn't do anything the Slim doesn't do besides b/c.

And I don't care about the eBay thing. $150 for a new system is fine by me. …I hardly think that dollar number qualifies me as being "made of money."

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
15 years ago

If he got $400 off ebay and bought a new slim, then he would only have saved himself $100, this way he saves himself $150.


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/29/2009 11:30:29 PM

Sir Shak
Sir Shak
15 years ago

World , can you lend me some money ?


Last edited by Sir Shak on 8/29/2009 11:45:10 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
15 years ago

sure thing buddy how much u need?

Sir Shak
Sir Shak
15 years ago

YOU do the math !

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
15 years ago

@ worlds, if you exchange your PS3 60GB for a $150 discount on a PS3 Slim, you end up paying $150 + a PS3 for your PS3 Slim.

If you sell that PS3 60GB on Ebay for $400 and then purchase a slim at $299, you end up with a net gain of $100. So by selling it on ebay, you end up $250 ahead compaired to where you'd be if you trade your PS3 60GB with GameStop. That's $250. 4-5 games on BluRay, or more if you go Platinum.

The GameStop thing isn't a good deal. Ben's right, it's his money, and his PS3 he can do whatever he wants, but financially speaking, you are losing approximately $250 compared to selling your PS3 60GB on ebay and then buying a PS3 Slim. Of course if you don't have $300 lying around you'll have to wait to be paid for your old PS3 first, before you can get your PS3 slim system which is a major disadvantage.

Any way you look at it, GameStop is making a killing with this deal, it's not a good deal for consumers, but it may work for some.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
15 years ago

woops, hehe, smoked too much of the greenery tonight 😀


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/30/2009 12:48:25 AM

___________
___________
15 years ago

HAH!
i just sold my ps3 60GB for 900 bucks off ebay.
well 700 for the ps3 and 200 for shipping, if i traded it in at EB they were only going to give me 200.
yay i just made myself 200 bucks profit (700-500) by sitting on the lounge watching tv :).
thats the only reason im getting a slim, if i couldent sell it on ebay i wouldent of got one.
but 1 brand new ps3 and 200 bucks how could i say no?
well its not really profit, im spending it on that 150 dollar batman AA collectors edition, and the other 50 on the LE for uncharted 2.
only if making 200 bucks was always that easy.

ShadowRunner
ShadowRunner
15 years ago

LOL @ Sir Shak

fluffer nutter
fluffer nutter
15 years ago

The ONE great thing about having B/C, on a PS3, for me, is that it upscales and looks tolerable on a large screen HDTV. If the PS2 did this, then I wouldn't give a crap about having B/C on a PS3.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
15 years ago

Wireless controller and virtual memory card that I have backed up, I'd say those 2 alone are reason to keep my 60 gig for playing PS2 games.

Jawknee
Jawknee
15 years ago

I'm with Limited. I picked up a Slim last week and thought about hawking my 60gb off on eBay. Beh, I see more value in keeping it. It's B/C, has memory card slots an can be used as a second blue Ray player for the bedroom.

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
15 years ago

I'll keep my beautiful 60GB 'cause I like the design more, so yeah

Bugzbunny109
Bugzbunny109
15 years ago

Me love me 60gb. If I wanted a slim; I would save up for it. I love my fat ps3 🙂

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
15 years ago

Same situation
I'd rather save up and buy a Slim

will never sell my Busty ps3

KingRed
KingRed
15 years ago

I will be doing this too. glad it's payday next week.

ThePearlJamer
ThePearlJamer
15 years ago

What's the news with the 250 GB PS3 Slim I've recently been hearing about…I was shocked when I found out about it because usually all the important stuff regarding playstation branded items is reported hear first…

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

I have no idea what you're talking about. There's no such system.

ThePearlJamer
ThePearlJamer
15 years ago
www
www
15 years ago

Yea i heard something about a 250GB Slim..

ThePearlJamer
ThePearlJamer
15 years ago

WHERE"S OUR BATMAN REVIEW BEN!!!

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

It's coming…probably tomorrow.

Sir Shak
Sir Shak
15 years ago

Nicely done , are you going to review the Slim ?

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

…what's there to review outside of all the details and coverage we gave you already? 😉

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
15 years ago

Maybe it's time for another State of the Console Address.

TheHighlander
TheHighlander
15 years ago

My fellow PlayStationers,

The state of the PlayNation has never been better. We continue to see rising numbers of exclusive games and good reviews are the norm. User numbers are increasing rapidly and we have two new systems, one of which is already available at retail. Not only that but the cost of joining the PlayNation has never been lower. At only $299, members of the consumer world can join us, they can play BluRay movies – including new audio streaming options; they can join us on PlayStation Network, and in Home, without extra charge; they can play games including the best that the original PlayStation had to offer. All of this, my fellow PlayNationers, for a mere $299.

Some may point to our peers in the X-nation or the N-nation and say they have it good. Some may say those other nations have it better. But I say no, they do not.

The X-nation must pay admission each year to remain a part of their nation. They do not have access to the advanced high definition movies we have, and even wireless networking is beyond them, requiring further investment in infrastructure.

The N-nation, entranced by the low cost of entry and well promoted motion control system continues to prosper, in their own minds. Their land is nearly devoid of new games, and what they do have is of a lower standard. A lower standard visually, and quality. Although the cost of joining their ranks may be a little less than the cost of joining the PlayNation, we continue to see refugees joining us. Leaving their families and friends behind, sometimes sneaking back to being others out with them. The authorities of the N-nation are not concerned, they believe they are superior.

But, my fellow PlayNationers, we have nothing to fear. The state of the PlayStation is good, the state of the PlayNation has never been better. We are poised for unprecedented growth, and prosperity in games. Titles such as Gran Turismo, Ratchet and Clank- A Crack in Time, and of course Uncharted 2 – Among Thieves. With titles like these and all that the PlayStation 3 has to offer, we have no fears.

My friends we have nothing to fear, except fear itself.

Play well my friends. Play well, and play often.

I bid you a good evening, and a good night.

Sir Shak
Sir Shak
15 years ago

Is there an election coming up that I haven't heard about ?

frylock25
frylock25
15 years ago

highlander that was awesome lol as i read that i imagine that to have the booming mic voice being read to thousands of people in the playnation as if it were MLK speech in the 60's lol

well done very imaginative


Last edited by frylock25 on 8/30/2009 3:45:34 AM

VersusAlby
VersusAlby
15 years ago

@Highlander
you should work for SONY ^^

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