Ben-DutkaI think I shoveled five metric tons of snow today, so I'm a little tired. 😉
Sorry Sony, I have no idea what "new play options" means
You know, it would make perfect sense for Sony to keep up with the times; i.e., produce a console that reflects this ridiculous social media trend (for which I have very little tolerance). I do understand that approach so when I heard the new PlayStation might feature fresh social features, I was like, "Yeah, well, sure." It's logical. But what does the phrase "new play options" even mean? Or is it "new player options?" Either way, I'm confused. So when I first saw that information , I sat back and tried to think: What could that possibly mean? Are they referring to a better gameplay experience in general? Or are they even talking about the games? This sounds suspiciously like a gimmick and I've heard people refer to the PS4 as the "PS3.5," which concerns me a little.
I'm not trying to be pessimistic nor am I much of a reactionary. I put only a tiny amount of stock in rumors; it doesn't matter to me until it's all official. That being said, I've started to notice that certain trends in the video game industry are running contrary to my interests; faster and stupider rather than some form of intelligence and top-notch storytelling is only one of the trends. The other is the apparent rampant belief that game makers have that says no gamer wants to do anything alone. Ever. This is what bugs me most, and why I have some trepidation concerning the PS4.
There's nothing to "analyze" or "examine," Capcom
It just kills me. Capcom says they're delving into the reasons behind Resident Evil 6 failing to meet their shipment expectations. This is like Square Enix trying to figure out why Final Fantasy fans hate Lightning Returns ; the only difference is that of course, Square Enix would never care enough to "examine." I just can't figure out why Capcom can't visit some forums or communities. The bottom line is that RE6 wasn't survival/horror and there were other obvious problems, too. Maybe the developers thought this transition was necessary – as Visceral thought with Dead Space 3 – but that doesn't excuse their ignorance now. Just open an ear or two and listen to what everyone is saying. Why did RE6 ship two million fewer units? Because it wasn't really want the fans wanted.
Wow, that was tough. Can I get paid for being a consultant, Capcom? I just don't want to be paid by the hour because this explanation took about three seconds of consideration. Or maybe two.
Personal gaming update
I would've played a lot more between yesterday and today if this freakin' Nemo storm hadn't dumped two and a half feet of snow in my area. Instead, I think I probably spent a good six hours shoveling over the two-day span (snow blowers are for sissies) and after that, I'm just too tired to play anything. I should add, however, that I definitely want to play more of Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time , which turned out to be a really solid game. I wish it was of AAA elite quality, but it's still really fun and a definite breath of fresh air. And although I may not get to a review for the Vita version, I can say it works really well on Sony's portable. So you should certainly take advantage of the Cross Buy promotion if you own a Vita.
This week is pretty light, but I should see Aliens: Colonial Marines at some point. That Extended Cut trailer got me hyped; maybe the game will be worth playing. I have no illusions, though…I'm just hoping for something fun that isn't riddled with problems like the ultra-disappointing Duke Nukem Forever . I want to see the Gearbox that did Borderlands 2 , damnit!
I think "New play options" is just a way of describing something that doesn't yet have a name. I'm sure it will all fit into the hive mind mentality. I'd settle for a way to organize my downloads on the store.
I'm pretty sure companies are doing very expensive market research, doing what that suggests, and never even visiting a fan forum. Or they try to jam fan reactions into their already corrupt market-reseach-backed plan. The "improvements" made to FFXIII-2 were half-assed and grafted onto a base of garbage and Lightning Returns appears to be attempting to graft a third person action game onto the same broken base.
I'm bouncing around playing various games, Ni No Kuni, DmC, Warfighter. People should keep their eyes peeled for games they missed out on, I keep finding them (often new) for like $15 bucks. Revengeance demo seemed kinda pompous so I was happy to order Ninja Gaiden 3 for my ninja slashing fix. It must just be that time of year when things get cheap, especially with all this next gen hullaballoon.
Since nothing official has been revealed about the next Playstation other than the Feb 20th announcement I wont get too invested in internet gossip and circulating rumors. And even the rumors about expanded social features, a new 'share' button, or modified controller or whatever, doesn't at all sound unusual or worrisome to me. Sony has some very strong development studios and franchises that I suspect will continue to make a strong showing going forward into the next-gen. The system will rock. I'm nothing but optimistic.
Other than Street Fighter IV Capcom has done practically nothing for me this gen. And it's to my understanding that even SFIV was something of a miracle to have happened. The series' creator faced heavy corporate resistance involving it's re-birth.
PGU: Playstation Vita is in the house! Got a slick deal at Target. $200 Lego Batman Bundle (didn't care for batman, just the vita). It's even online… maybe there's still some left. I'm talking $200 at the store, brand new. I grabbed the 8gb mem card (4gb wouldve been too cramped) and I got 3 months rolling on PS+ for all of those Vita games. I also plan to use the $20 promo PSN credit towards NGS2.
I knew I had some free time this weekend so I wanted to game it up.
I have to say the device is one slick little beast. Uncharted has been surprisingly nice. I was skeptical of Ben's 9 rating but I have to say I'm feeling it. It doesn't yet have the hollywood grade production spectacles of the latter two Uncharted games, but it does do a number of more 'gameplay' centric innovations that makes me appreciate it more as a game. WipEout is just sick. It looks so gorgeous and plays very nice. Then there's the grand poo-bah, NGS Plus. It looks razor sharp, looks to be running at full res, and plays quite well. While the smaller than TV screen has a way of making the motion seem smoother, I was very apprehensive about a Gaiden at 30fps, and I still am, but I lowered my standards for a handheld, and while it doesn't compete with the PS3 renditions it still is a faithful and satisfying port of them…. but what the crap is with the horrible 'bow and arrow' controls? yuck!
Anyway, it blows me away this little handheld costs what it does. It's so powerful and capable but so inexpensive. I look at $700 cell phones and think… why? how?
…speaking of which my contract is up in March with my iPhone. I've learned that I could save $1600 in the space of 2 years by NOT renewing my plan and just go for another contract-free service that has you pay for your phone up front ($150-200)but then you pay heck of less per month.
No wonder more people can't buy a Vita… so many are in over their heads with insane contracts and CC debt =p
Comgrats on the Vita. Had mine a year and just picked up some good bargains on the Australia/European 1st year birthday PSN sale. Ridge Racer Ultimate collection, Unit 13, Playstation Allstars all picked up for 50% off. Have a 16GB card and it is getting full.
Have Persona 4 Golden on pre-order for the end of Jan. The Vita will keep me entertained until I jump in for a PS4.
Welcome to the Vita fold. U will not be disappointed 🙂
Congrats Temjin001! You've taken your first steps into a brave new world! 🙂
Thanks guys =)
Did any of you receive the special 'Invitation' from Sony to compete in the Friends and Family $20 PSN credit contest? In a very very LAME sort of way Sony made this contest CLOSED. So only those who received an email from Sony about the contest can actually register in the contest.
If either of you guys got it and live in the US, let me know.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 2/11/2013 10:45:18 AM
I really have no idea what Sony is up to. I have complete faith they will take care of their core gamers. Tretton has expressed that many times with the PS3. But I cant help but notice Sony trying to emulate Nintendos efforts, as well as try and cater to the Xbox crowd. Thats about all I can say because really I have no idea what the next Playstation will be.
I dont think its fair to compare what Visceral did with DS3 to the way Capcom handled RE5 and 6. I believe RE6 was good, but what they failed is what Visceral did excellent. And thats survival/horror and action and get a multitude of senses from fear, adrenaline, anxiety, and releif among many others. Where Capcom had to release 3 games in one (pretty much) to get a variety of gameplay. Visceral succeeded and DS3 isnt getting its just due. Im a huge DS fan and ill be honest I was really worried after reading reviews, but im nothing less than delighted with the whole presentation of this game. Kudos to Visceral for achieving what others couldn't and delivering a solid DS experience.
And btw. The co-op is awesome. Much better than RE5 or 6 which I said was some of the best. They also found a good balance of fear and survival here as well and never do you feel either prepared or calm, with a partner, the game just doesnt let you get comfortable.
PGU: Well I put Skyrim in the other day because im still waiting on that Borderlands 2 level increase. I cant beleieve im 100 hours in and have only finished 6 of the Main quest missions. Unreal.
For now its DS3, and obviously im enjoying it.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 2/10/2013 12:09:22 AM
Dang, that was a huge blizzard. I got a pretty long driveway, use to shovel like 5 to 6 hours (depending on how much snow) years ago after I moved. I don't shovel that much anymore, I let a guy do it with a big plow. My couple of years of experience being a rookie at it paid off big time.
waiting, just waiting for feb. 20th to see what sony has to offer.
pgu: playing fallout 3 goty while i wait for aliens: colonial marines.
Sometimes when we get to these week in reviews all i can think is "Wow already?" Sony knows what their doing. Their not about to turn into the next trend. The killzone 4 talk got me hyped up but im equally hyped for mercenary. Something about choosing sides on a war makes it all the better.
PGU: WKC2 grinding!!! Almost half way to gr21. Yeah its amazing. I've been playing pokemon again. Something about turn based combat really makes me at ease… Also, been playing just cause 2. I gotta give every game 3 chances to win me over. The first two times bored me. This time im just running around blowing stuff up.
I played a round of guardians of middle earth. I was so newb that i ran in mashing buttons and kept getting kills. My team lost but it was fun regardless. I had to send my teamates an appology because im sure they were mad at me N00Bness. Last but not least i spent like 5 hours making this level in lbp2 for my gf. Since she loves the game i decided i would make her a level for valentines day. Of course i got her a giant panda bear and chocolates but im more proud of the level.
Anyway i hope everyones doing ok with the snow! Its been raining over here and i love it 😀
really starting to get worried about next gen systems, everythings pointing them to be completely meh!
i wouldent be surprised to see allot of developers go PC exclusive in future simply because they wont be able to squeeze the games onto consoles.
1 thing, and just 1 thing i want to ask all asian developers.
why is it whenever you announce a new IP everyones jumping with excitement, the game does well critically and commercially.
but when a sequel is announced everyones up in arms hurling the dirty diapers, the game gets average reviews and average sales.
why is that?
im really intrigued to see what their answer would be.
speaking of aliens i picked it up today, really excited to see how it turns out.
im not holding my breath, we all know how movie tie in games turn out.
not to mention how games that have been stuck in development hell turn out.
not to mention every time they talk about the game they make it sound like a movie.
finally got my PC yesterday too, finally after
6 weeks of waiting they finally delivered it!
got my new headphones too so i wanted to try out a little battlefield 3 before aliens.
To me, "new play options" sounds like something that is very optional – nothing core.
"Play options" might mean remote play with the Vita, for example. That would be an option on how to play a given game.
Or something much like what was the case with the six-axis stuff that came with the PS3, an optional way to use your controller. Maybe there is some truth in that Move is embedded in the standard controller now. That'd be an "optional way to play" too.
The touch pads that's more or less confirmed by now, that'd be a new play option too I guess.
You know, things like that. Nothing is taken away, only added. That's what I expect.
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/10/2013 3:58:03 AM
PGU: Learning a game engine!
A while ago I mentioned to you all I wanted to learn a game engine, to start chasing my dream of creating a game I got in my head.
Well, I am pleased to say that so far so good!
Oh. My. God! what a difference it makes to use an engine as opposed to doing all the nitty-gritty OpenGL programming yourself. Now it's actually fun to write code, you get somewhere fast, and conceptually it's much, much easier. And I learn a *lot*.
Game engines are teh shitz.
But! One piece of reality hit me like a brick last week: I can't get far without… A designer! I need someone with an eye for design to create the visuals! In all my eagerness to get started I simply didn't think of that. Nothing makes itself, and that includes nice looking 3D objects.
While I am a fairly OK programmer, I am not in any way shape or form a graphical designer. So at the moment I am importing models I've downloaded on the internet as place-holders. But man, I need a 3D designer.
Anyone around here who'd be interested in a collaboration? The Next Big RPG Phenomenon is just waiting to be made… By us! 😉
Last edited by Beamboom on 2/10/2013 6:42:21 AM
I can fund your poject and if your game sells well, we split the money 90-10. Of course the 90% goes to me! 🙂
Im no designer, but I am damn good business man.
That's some good stuff.
I'd design some levels for you, but you'd only complain about how linear I'm doing it. XD
@Killa, well you're only successful if you get your deals signed. And I'm not signing that. 😀
I have faith that Sony will give us core gamers what we want. Sounds like the PS4 is going to be a jack-of-all-trades console. Let's just hope that the PS4 excels in all aspects so there won't be anyone saying it's a jack-of-all-trades console and the master of none.
Thankfully money talks and Capcom is ready to listen. I enjoyed RE5 but haven't played RE6 yet. I have to admit if I had to choose I would go with old RE over new RE. With Revelations coming to the major consoles that is a step in the right direction. RE7 could be something very special indeed.
Unfortunately I cannot play Sly4 yet as I have only played Sly1 and achieved the Platinum. I have Sly2 already bought but don't have time right now to enjoy it. If I can find some money during the slow part of the year I will buy the PS3/Vita versions for $40 to support Sly. I really loved Sly1 so more Sly in the future on the PS4 is a must. Must support Sanzaru for their incredible effort!
PGU:
All Dead Space 3 and I am completely immersed in this story and game! I LOVE THIS GAME!! Scavenger Bot where have you been all my Dead Space life!!!! Created my first weapon today and I must say I am really impressed with my work. Contact Beam and Line Gun Hybrid! The game allows you to shoot one with the R1 and the other with the R2!!! I also have a Plasma Cutter x2 that I received due to the saved games from ME3/DS2 games being found on my PS3. So I have over 23 shots before I have to reload!! Very helpful in dealing with the necromorphs.
Even though I am having so much fun with DS3 I can hear GoWII and Ni No Kuni calling my name. I am going to have to take a break from DS3 later on this week and play both of them.
Not sure if I am going to pick up ALIENS Colonial Marines or not. I love Gearbox but this is one I have to wait for reviews before I purchase it. Is it Duke Nukem Forever Gearbox or Borderlands 2 Gearbox?
Oh yeah!!! I beat Ultimate Ghosts 'N Goblins PSP on the Vita last night! What a great game that was. Very hard but so much fun. Hopefully Capcom has another Ghouls 'N Ghosts in production for the PS3/Vita.
Last edited by CrusaderForever on 2/10/2013 4:26:16 PM
I'm just waiting for the gold edition of Resident Evil 6. Resident Evil 5 is a good game, I did enjoy it.
PGU:
Just finished the first Devil May Cry and DMC3 this past week. The first is okay but the third is awesome. The last battle with Vergil is epic. He kick my ass and died a lot but in the end I still prevailed. Now I'm into White Knight Chronicles II, after that DMC2 and DMC4. Then after I finished those games, It's Ni No Kuni and Dead Space 3. Yeah! I'm a little behind. But I'm glad Dead Space 3 turns out good and enjoyed by some of you.
I got a wicked pump from the straight 4 hours of shoveling on Saturday. My steady trips to the gym this year made it a breeze, which is the biggest pay-off. I never felt this fit even as a teenager. PGU: I played some more darksiders 2. And I'm so mad…mad that Vigil Games is gone. Anyhow, talent rarely goes to waste…I'm sure San Monica Studios will scoop up some of them.