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Ben’s Week In Review: February 28

Wow, seems like everyone is really excited for Tom Clancy's The Division . Didn't think it would be as huge as it's obviously going to be.

Is there an ulterior motive to re-releasing all these Resident Evil games?

It seems endless, doesn't it? In the past few years, we've seen Resident Evil Zero HD Remaster , Resident Evil HD Remaster (the remake of the classic original), and Resident Evil: Revelations .

Now, as as announced this past week , Capcom will bring the fourth, fifth and sixth installments back as well. I'm just wondering what the point of all this is…yes, of course they're cashing in on widespread brand recognition while they try to figure out the franchise's next step. But that leads me to my question: Are all these re-releases indicative of Capcom's indecision concerning the future of this legendary IP? Obviously, you don't go to all this trouble for the express purpose of determining a future plan, but I'm willing to bet it's at least part of the reason. I still say Resident Evil 6 suffered from a serious identity crisis; it was clear to me that the designers were totally on the fence in terms of the kind of game they wanted to make.

Then there was the ill-fated Operation Raccoon City , which only further proved Capcom doesn't really know what to do with RE. Perhaps that's why we haven't seen a main-line entry since 2012 and why we haven't heard much of anything regarding RE7. This company has some issues, I think; Street Fighter V doesn't have an identity problem but it certainly has a content and presentation issue, which most fans have noticed. Like I said before, Capcom might be as confused and completely out to lunch as Square Enix, if that's even possible.

Naughty Dog reminded me why they're still the best

It always surprises me. I love Naughty Dog but somehow, they keep topping themselves and every time they do, I'm once again blown away. When I saw the new Uncharted 4: A Thief's End trailer, which the developer called the "best they've ever done," I just sat back and admired. How do they keep doing this? Clearly, there's a big benefit to being a first-party developer for Sony because they've been making the most of PlayStation hardware for years, and that much is abundantly evident in every technically superior product they make. But in addition to that, they continue to produce extremely well-produced stories with great characters, which results in sublime interactive experiences. The drama, comedy and emotion is always there, and it's amid some of the best gameplay on the planet.

That all being said, I still have my reservations for this one. It still irks me that lead writer Amy Hennig left, and we learned that her departure set the project back 8 months . Other key team members left as well, and one wonders if the game will suffer from a storytelling standpoint. I also hope the developers haven't strayed too far from the linear structure; i.e., I'm crossing my fingers that the industry-wide idiocy of linearity being "inferior" hasn't irreparably altered one of the greatest franchises in video game history.

Personal gaming update

Yep, still working my way through Assassin's Creed Syndicate , which remains oodles of fun. I will add that I definitely enjoy Far Cry Primal , perhaps more than any other series entry. I'm not a big fan of this particular IP but the latest installment is pretty special, as the developers correctly explained . It retains the familiar structure that Far Cry fans will easily recognize, but also implements excellent survival and strategy elements. Plus, the immersion level is through the roof because the game does a tremendous job of immersing the player in an ancient world that demands attention and respect. I say give it a try, whether you're a fan of the series or not.

The Division will be out soon, so I'll have to look at that soon. I didn't play the beta so I'm going in fresh; however, this also means I'll be starting from scratch, so it'll take a little longer for me to deliver an accurate assessment. Oh, and I know Hitman is coming as well, and I'll be interested to see how that turns out. Hitman: Absolution was damn good.

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Temjin001
Temjin001
8 years ago

I look forward to Uncharted 4 big time. Can the studio take home GotY yet again? It'd be mighty impressive doing it with a 4th entry to a long running series.

PGU: All I've had time for is SFV. While I understand and agree that the game is too sparse on modes, the game definitely hits it where it counts most for me. It looks, plays, and feels lovely. While it's always weird going from one playing system to the next, particularly when you're so used to a prior combat ruleset, it didn't take long for me adapt and really appreciate the modified rules.
There's a good amount of depth to be had. I've been having some great matches online as well. I haven't been affected by the online issues either. I've also really liked the player online guides Capcom has been putting up for each of the characters. They're quite useful. And major props to Capcom for choosing to support PS3 arcade sticks on PS4.
I look forward to the game's continued development while observing also the excitement of it's core competitive play. Shoryuken is reporting plenty of upcoming EVO 2016 excitement for it.


Last edited by Temjin001 on 2/27/2016 10:26:04 PM

Jawknee
Jawknee
8 years ago

All I've been play is Street Fighter V. Haven't touched MGSV in a week. Been working on my chops with Chun Li. So far I think I like her the best. I also like Ken a lot more in this one than in IV. I freakin can't stand Karin players. She's so chump. Haha


Last edited by Jawknee on 2/28/2016 2:15:31 AM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

dose legs crush u boy

Jawknee
Jawknee
8 years ago

Yes please!

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
8 years ago

Well regarding Uncharted 4, I'm positive I'll notice some story telling and writing differences. The way Amy Hennig did what she did couldn't be reproduced for this franchise. And quite frankly I don't think ND wanted to even attempt that after she left. But I have faith it will be good regardless. Just might not be the same type of story telling we are used to. I won't complain about it unless, the nature of the game and characters changes. They still need to be familiar.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

I'm kinda scared U4 will somehow disappoint. It kind of HAS to be fantastic at this point.

I grabbed Megadimension Neptunia VII, it's looking good so far. Happens to start out about the Dreamcast, giving her a girl finally. Some nice turn based action though not as nice as some others it's still the best Neptunia fighting mechanic yet.

Playing Layers of Fear at night. YOU SHOULD TOO.

Hexen
Hexen
8 years ago

Thats good to hear about Megadimension, it launched the same day as Gravity Rush R. and I went that just because Plutie wasnt in the game.Now next month I have To chose between Neptunia or Nights of Azure 🙁

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

ooh tough pick. I'm getting Nights too so it'll be interesting to see which grabs my full attention.


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 2/28/2016 12:41:43 PM

mk ultra
mk ultra
8 years ago

I personally can't wait for the RE2 remake, It's one of my favorite games of all time.

That trailer for U4 looked awesome. It looks like it's not going to be as lighthearted as Hennigs writing, but hard to tell from a trailer. I bet it doesn't disappoint, me at least.

Playing Shadow Warrior. Got it a couple flash sales ago and it's fantastic. It's like Doom with a katana. Probably going to jump on some Black Ops too cause it's double xp.

slow and smart
slow and smart
8 years ago

I can understand that they brought us the RE1 remake together with RE 0:they were never on ps,and the RE2 remake is very much wanted but the rest?w'l see how much wanted these are.

I'm very curious about Uncharted 4,it looks very good,untill now ND always gave us great games.

PGU:Fallout 4 all the way….discovered untill now 302 locations,on the web they say there are 344 locations[??],will i find them all?I got Bobbleheads 20/20 and magazines 102/123[?] i went to the "empty" spaces on the map till now,but now i will have to search the towns and this will take more time :)…

The news that mods for PS4[pc about april/xboxone about may]will come about June makes me very curious what's possible.


Last edited by slow and smart on 2/28/2016 4:07:05 PM

Temjin001
Temjin001
8 years ago

I look forward to Uncharted 4 big time. Can the studio take home GotY yet again? It&#39d be mighty impressive doing it with a 4th entry to a long running series.

PGU: All I&#39ve had time for is SFV. While I understand and agree that the game is too sparse on modes, the game definitely hits it where it counts most for me. It looks, plays, and feels lovely. While it&#39s always weird going from one playing system to the next, particularly when you&#39re so used to a prior combat ruleset, it didn&#39t take long for me adapt and really appreciate the modified rules.
There&#39s a good amount of depth to be had. I&#39ve been having some great matches online as well. I haven&#39t been affected by the online issues either. I&#39ve also really liked the player online guides Capcom has been putting up for each of the characters. They&#39re quite useful. And major props to Capcom for choosing to support PS3 arcade sticks on PS4.
I look forward to the game&#39s continued development while observing also the excitement of it&#39s core competitive play. Shoryuken is reporting plenty of upcoming EVO 2016 excitement for it.


Last edited by Temjin001 on 2/27/2016 10:26:04 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

dose legs crush u boy

Jawknee
Jawknee
8 years ago

Yes please!

bigrailer19
bigrailer19
8 years ago

Well regarding Uncharted 4, I&#39m positive I&#39ll notice some story telling and writing differences. The way Amy Hennig did what she did couldn&#39t be reproduced for this franchise. And quite frankly I don&#39t think ND wanted to even attempt that after she left. But I have faith it will be good regardless. Just might not be the same type of story telling we are used to. I won&#39t complain about it unless, the nature of the game and characters changes. They still need to be familiar.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

I&#39m kinda scared U4 will somehow disappoint. It kind of HAS to be fantastic at this point.

I grabbed Megadimension Neptunia VII, it&#39s looking good so far. Happens to start out about the Dreamcast, giving her a girl finally. Some nice turn based action though not as nice as some others it&#39s still the best Neptunia fighting mechanic yet.

Playing Layers of Fear at night. YOU SHOULD TOO.

mk ultra
mk ultra
8 years ago

I personally can&#39t wait for the RE2 remake, It&#39s one of my favorite games of all time.

That trailer for U4 looked awesome. It looks like it&#39s not going to be as lighthearted as Hennigs writing, but hard to tell from a trailer. I bet it doesn&#39t disappoint, me at least.

Playing Shadow Warrior. Got it a couple flash sales ago and it&#39s fantastic. It&#39s like Doom with a katana. Probably going to jump on some Black Ops too cause it&#39s double xp.

Hexen
Hexen
8 years ago

Thats good to hear about Megadimension, it launched the same day as Gravity Rush R. and I went that just because Plutie wasnt in the game.Now next month I have To chose between Neptunia or Nights of Azure 🙁

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

ooh tough pick. I&#39m getting Nights too so it&#39ll be interesting to see which grabs my full attention.


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 2/28/2016 12:41:43 PM

Jawknee
Jawknee
8 years ago

All I&#39ve been play is Street Fighter V. Haven&#39t touched MGSV in a week. Been working on my chops with Chun Li. So far I think I like her the best. I also like Ken a lot more in this one than in IV. I freakin can&#39t stand Karin players. She&#39s so chump. Haha


Last edited by Jawknee on 2/28/2016 2:15:31 AM

slow and smart
slow and smart
8 years ago

I can understand that they brought us the RE1 remake together with RE 0:they were never on ps,and the RE2 remake is very much wanted but the rest?w&#39l see how much wanted these are.

I&#39m very curious about Uncharted 4,it looks very good,untill now ND always gave us great games.

PGU:Fallout 4 all the way….discovered untill now 302 locations,on the web they say there are 344 locations[??],will i find them all?I got Bobbleheads 20/20 and magazines 102/123[?] i went to the "empty" spaces on the map till now,but now i will have to search the towns and this will take more time :)…

The news that mods for PS4[pc about april/xboxone about may]will come about June makes me very curious what&#39s possible.


Last edited by slow and smart on 2/28/2016 4:07:05 PM

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