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Ben’s Week In Review: August 7

I'm not really keeping up with video game news these days, so I don't know much about current events.

Hence, my Week in Reviews will basically become big "personal gaming updates," I guess, along with a few random thoughts of what's coming up soon (if I'm aware of them, of course). 🙂

Final Fantasy XV comes out next month…totally forgot

After the horrid demo, I sort of blocked this out of my head. I remember it getting a September launch date but I pretty much ignored that.

But I've spotted FFXV popping up online here and there, and it has reminded me that the game isn't far off at all. It's so depressing, though. There was a time in my gaming life when I would've been all sorts of excited; a new FF was an automatic day-one purchase, and visions of the greatness that was about to break forth on my screen were clear and enticing. But now that I know precisely what FFXV really is – a mediocre action game at best – I can really compare and contrast; I can see just how far the franchise has fallen.

And before anyone says something insanely idiotic like, "you hate it because it isn't turn-based," let me say that this is entirely irrelevant. There are no major turn-based RPGs left (outside of I Am Setsuna , which obviously isn't a big-budget production) and I haven't played one in a long time. I love action/RPGs. But see, they have to be good games. FFXV blows. The mechanics suck. What do you want me to say? If it had been a decent game, I most likely would've played it because I like action/RPGs. Thing is, I don't have time to play trash.

Have they confirmed PS4 Neo for 2016 yet?

I'm not sure I care if they have, as I'm probably not going to get the upgraded PlayStation 4 until next year, anyway. I'm just wondering if current PS4 owners are all psyched for this new system and if so, when they're gonna spring for it. The minute it comes out? Or, are most people diving in out of the gate doing so because of PlayStation VR…?

And speaking of PlayStation VR…

Still have no interest in VR, sorry.

I Am Setsuna deserves maybe an 8.0 but no higher

I don't have time to produce a review for it but I can say I'd give it an 8.0. I wish the story and characters had been a little better, and the vagueness and randomness surrounding some of the battle elements is just too frustrating. Still, it really is the epitome of a classic, golden-age turn-based RPG, so those who loved those games will undoubtedly enjoy I Am Setsuna . I seriously doubt the developers will produce a sequel but if they do, they need to make it longer, make the world more diverse and engaging (recycled and cut-and-pasted environments were painfully evident), give us more equipment options and drop the Talismans (which just weren't defined well enough), and toss in some cut-scenes. Yes, I'm serious.

Stuff I want in the future:

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is due out in a few weeks and I'll be all over that. I'll have some time, too, because there really isn't anything out in September – or maybe even October – that I want. No, wait, I definitely want The Last Guardian in October, and isn't the PS4 version of Rise of the Tomb Raider coming this holiday as well? That'll be mine, definitely. And yes, I'm still trying to get to that Blood and Wine expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt .

Quick PSXE Update

FYI, the owner says he most certainly ISN'T shutting down the site any time soon. It's still drawing a little traffic (probably from the huge back-log of content), so he'll keep it up. I know there are at least half a dozen people out there with back-end access to volunteer pieces, so they're free to do so. So long as it's PlayStation related – or even videogame-related – I'm sure it'll be fine. Nothing is stopping you from putting stuff up. 🙂

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Hexen
Hexen
7 years ago

I forgot Final Fantasy XV existed, I think it will do really well critically and sales wise. It just looks like something that will appeal to the mass public, i'll check it out if it gets a decent demo. Also as soon as Tomb Raider gets to 30 or 20 dollars I'll buy it in an instant, Who would pay $60 for an old ass game.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

I'll be watching the critics, I don't think it will do critically well based on well… facts.

Temjin001
Temjin001
7 years ago

If FFXV draws in solid reviews I'll give it a chance. I did like reading some weeks back that the game does indeed let you pause the action and issue out commands. To what extent I don't know.

Nothing about PS4 Neo has been announced.
I'll eventually be interested in it. This is in part because I expect to update my now 8 year old HDTV sometime next year. My new one will be 4K and will have HDR support. The few movies I watch will look nicer.
I also expect Sony's future titles will go out of their way to showcase it's added power.

I definitely want Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Though I'll get it with my new PC graphics card. Whenever that happens. Right now I have my site set on a GTX 1060. The price and performance seem right to me… for now.

PGU: Xenoblade Chronicles X has received the most time from me. Of all the games I've played over the years this one has got to be the most bizarre but also so familiar. Bizarre in that it's interpretation of familiar western RPG tropes have such a unique dialect to them. It borrows so much but presents it all in a way that feels much it's own.

The game continues to surprise me with how many ideas are stuffed into it. It's alarmingly deep. It's also terrible at presenting all of them.

I love the visual aesthetics. The story has become quite interesting to me. For better or worse, the dialogue and characterization is classic anime stylized. The controls work well overall. The music is hit and miss. These devs just got to be more careful with music vocal interference while trying to tell important story dialogue. Some of the ridiculous tracks have grown on me though.

The combat is really unique. It focuses much on team based cooperation. Unfortunately some of the skills your party members use just aren't reliably handled with the AI. The fact that I can't take control of other party members in battle is maddening at times. The game at least lets you issue out in action commands but it's still not enough. I totally miss Inquisition's ability to pause the action and take control of any party member.
Besides this issue the battle encounters can be quite exciting. The monsters you fight are just so cool.

It's a special game. Too bad it's exposure was so limited.

EDIT: Specifically about my combat complaints. Elma is decked out with awesome melee arts. These arts chosen for her have major back-side bonuses to damage. Yet, in the AI's hands it barely even tries to get behind the monsters. I find myself now playing more with her than I am with my actual main character because she's so dang powerful when played right. Something the AI can't do.


Last edited by Temjin001 on 8/6/2016 10:54:07 PM

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
7 years ago

"I did like reading some weeks back that the game does indeed let you pause the action and issue out commands."

Since when? You certainly couldn't do that in the demo. It was just flat-out action and zero strategy (I mean preparing and role-playing strategy, not the action strategy I use in freakin' Ninja Gaiden).

Banky A
Banky A
7 years ago

I can confirm there's a feature to stop time in battle. I'm sure it's not the Holy Jesus implementation but it's there.

Temjin001
Temjin001
7 years ago

Ben, Google'ing it looks like it was revealed back during e3.

Temjin001
Temjin001
7 years ago

I watched a YouTube video of "wait mode" in action.
Looks like its largely used for targeting.
The video closed stating that "with wait mode anyone can play like a pro"

Say what?
This suggests that if you can't play it well in real time action you still can with wait mode enabled. In other words, it's easy mode =p

Graphics looked nice.


Last edited by Temjin001 on 8/7/2016 1:38:05 AM

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
7 years ago

Oh. Still dumb. Nothing to do with role-playing. 😉

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

The problem is the battle system still seems like it was chosen by throwing darts at a spinning wheel and then made easier and easier by letting you just hold down the button or this mode. Not that I want insane action on my Final Fantasy plate except in cut scenes. Looks like most of the game will be wandering a giant wasteland followed by clunky uninuitive battles. I can't wait for it to pass through this year's colon.

daus26
daus26
7 years ago

Sorry. If you think it's zero strategy, you're not playing the demo to its potential. That's just like pressing x, x, x, in turn based rpg when the battle gets easy. It's the tougher battles where strategy matters. The demo showed ways you can efficiently approach the final battle. Watch YouTube. I never knew you can increase impact damage from falling higher heights amongst other things. I doubt you can get away with holding the attack button through the real fights.

daus26
daus26
7 years ago

From the looks of it, most of everyday here needs wait mode since the understanding is limited to holding attack button

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
7 years ago

That's all action-based strategy. I didn't say it didn't have that.

I said there appears to be zero ROLE-PLAYING strategy. And there isn't.

slow and smart
slow and smart
7 years ago

-I recommend Blood and Wine[Witcher 3] it's great and better get to it,
some great games are coming this year:
Deus ex game/The Last Guardian/Dishonored 2 and i will also get me [later]No Man's Sky.
[and Tomb Raider for about 20 bucks:not gonna pay 60 for a 1 year old game]
-Neo:not interested.
-Fallout 4:curious if and when mods come to ps4 [would be an nice extra,some mods that expand the commonwealth]


Last edited by slow and smart on 8/7/2016 1:54:59 AM

Godslim
Godslim
7 years ago

Currently playing alot of overwatch with friends which is a pretty fresh fun experience. Kinda miss reading alot of the articles here.

Sonofa777
Sonofa777
7 years ago

Nice info here!

Sadly I lost interest in FF after 12 obliterated my brain cells trying to get through it. I honestly hope they do this one well but I will not be getting it right away….

Also no interest in PS4 Neo or VR. Perfectly happy with what I have

While not a release date, I am looking forward to the Nioh Beta demo on August 26th as well as Mafia 3 and Rise of the Tomb Raider in October.

I still pop on here often to see if anyone posts anything. World,Ben and Temjin ARE FAVS!

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

Thanks for the shout out homie! We should have our own shows as gaming personalities 🙂

Now go check out the other work I do as a social media strategist and buy these products!
https://www.facebook.com/GamerGloves/


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/8/2016 1:39:24 PM

Bio
Bio
7 years ago

Been playing a ton of Overwatch lately. Has supplanted Mirror's Edge as my favorite game so far this year. Absolutely loving Lucio. Put in over 15,000 healing with 22 kills in a single match last night.

Banky A
Banky A
7 years ago

Whistles.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

Ben if you want a Final Fantasy game go buy Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel and then the upcoming sequel in September. It has everything FF used to deliver. Then stay tuned for Persona 5 for a little extra Japan flava.

I somehow got sucked back into Mass Effect 3. I hope it's not too late to get with Ashley Williams, I mean we all get alien-curious with the blue girls right? Might as well finish my story before Andromeda comes out in ten years.

I know I said I wouldn't get Rise of the Poop Raider right away but the extras seem to make it worth it, especially a new story with VR support.

And for awesome turn-based comedic awesomeness by those geniuses at Idea Factory Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force has really delivered on PS4.

Bioshock Collection should NOT be full price.

Temjin001
Temjin001
7 years ago

Concerning the Bioshock Collection.
3 full award winning games with the DLC and updated graphics for full price really doesn't seem like a bad deal to me.

The first two games suffered most on PS3 so this updated collection ought to be great for PS4 owners who have interest.


Last edited by Temjin001 on 8/8/2016 2:40:15 PM

Hexen
Hexen
7 years ago

Trails of cold steel is so good, can't wait for the second one and hopefully a third and beyond. Thanks for reminding me of Fairy Fencer, I forgot about it and now I got something else I can play.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
7 years ago

Never heard of it but I'll look into it. 🙂

But I've never been a fan of the Persona games.

Banky A
Banky A
7 years ago

Hexen have you heard of Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky?

World you still haven't told me if you've finally played that masterpiece yet. People here keep going on about Cold Steel but they missed out on the Godfather of Trails.

Unless I haven't read your replies, soz.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

Actually the info/images/experiences I got with Bioshock to PS3 was a tremendous conversion. I was certainly happy with it. My only trouble with Bio2 was that the game's dead bodies turned into lock boxes quickly after dying to save resources. Otherwise graphically they were superb.

As far as Trails in the Sky goes, I can't be bothered to play things on a small screen, it annoys me to no end.


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/11/2016 12:21:10 PM

Banky A
Banky A
7 years ago

Ew I don't play it on PSP. Get it on PC from Steam or GoG.

(Y) world

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

PC is weak.

Banky A
Banky A
7 years ago

Your PC is weak? Haha alright, that's your choice to miss out on the better game and father of Cold Steel.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

yeah I can't afford to put a chip in it. I'm a teacher.

Beamboom
Beamboom
7 years ago

But what exactly is it you do these days Ben?

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

He commands an online men's magazine

Beamboom
Beamboom
7 years ago

"mens magazine"? Pron?

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
7 years ago

Yes, I left to pursue a career in online literotica. 😛

Beamboom
Beamboom
7 years ago

Haha – seriously?! That's HILARIOUS if true! Totally dig it 😀


Last edited by Beamboom on 8/12/2016 5:57:54 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

Not that kind.

LimitedVertigo
LimitedVertigo
7 years ago

Crazy to think how uninterested I am in Final Fantasy news now. I hardly even skim through it now. Glad to see more posts being made. Glad to see people on here:)

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
7 years ago

I well remember a time when the entire year would revolve around a Final Fantasy release.

Talk about a tragic reversal. 🙁

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

yeah now I can't wait for it to fail hard like a faceplant in the dirt.

duomaxwell007
duomaxwell007
7 years ago

Lol Ben I honestly cant wait for you to play beat and possibly review FFXV. Because while I agree the combat is crap. Ive been able to forgo good combat for a great story (i mean heck EVERY WRPG has shit combat but they seem to do well for at least their world and lore.. and in SOME cases story).

Just as Ive played games with no story (or very terrible story) if the gameplay was so fun that I didnt care that the narrative was lacking or non existent (Metal gear solid 5, Dragons Dopgma and Bayonetta just to name a few)

Hexen
Hexen
7 years ago

I forgot Final Fantasy XV existed, I think it will do really well critically and sales wise. It just looks like something that will appeal to the mass public, i&#39ll check it out if it gets a decent demo. Also as soon as Tomb Raider gets to 30 or 20 dollars I&#39ll buy it in an instant, Who would pay $60 for an old ass game.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

I&#39ll be watching the critics, I don&#39t think it will do critically well based on well… facts.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
7 years ago

"I did like reading some weeks back that the game does indeed let you pause the action and issue out commands."

Since when? You certainly couldn&#39t do that in the demo. It was just flat-out action and zero strategy (I mean preparing and role-playing strategy, not the action strategy I use in freakin&#39 Ninja Gaiden).

Banky A
Banky A
7 years ago

I can confirm there&#39s a feature to stop time in battle. I&#39m sure it&#39s not the Holy Jesus implementation but it&#39s there.

Temjin001
Temjin001
7 years ago

If FFXV draws in solid reviews I&#39ll give it a chance. I did like reading some weeks back that the game does indeed let you pause the action and issue out commands. To what extent I don&#39t know.

Nothing about PS4 Neo has been announced.
I&#39ll eventually be interested in it. This is in part because I expect to update my now 8 year old HDTV sometime next year. My new one will be 4K and will have HDR support. The few movies I watch will look nicer.
I also expect Sony&#39s future titles will go out of their way to showcase it&#39s added power.

I definitely want Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Though I&#39ll get it with my new PC graphics card. Whenever that happens. Right now I have my site set on a GTX 1060. The price and performance seem right to me… for now.

PGU: Xenoblade Chronicles X has received the most time from me. Of all the games I&#39ve played over the years this one has got to be the most bizarre but also so familiar. Bizarre in that it&#39s interpretation of familiar western RPG tropes have such a unique dialect to them. It borrows so much but presents it all in a way that feels much it&#39s own.

The game continues to surprise me with how many ideas are stuffed into it. It&#39s alarmingly deep. It&#39s also terrible at presenting all of them.

I love the visual aesthetics. The story has become quite interesting to me. For better or worse, the dialogue and characterization is classic anime stylized. The controls work well overall. The music is hit and miss. These devs just got to be more careful with music vocal interference while trying to tell important story dialogue. Some of the ridiculous tracks have grown on me though.

The combat is really unique. It focuses much on team based cooperation. Unfortunately some of the skills your party members use just aren&#39t reliably handled with the AI. The fact that I can&#39t take control of other party members in battle is maddening at times. The game at least lets you issue out in action commands but it&#39s still not enough. I totally miss Inquisition&#39s ability to pause the action and take control of any party member.
Besides this issue the battle encounters can be quite exciting. The monsters you fight are just so cool.

It&#39s a special game. Too bad it&#39s exposure was so limited.

EDIT: Specifically about my combat complaints. Elma is decked out with awesome melee arts. These arts chosen for her have major back-side bonuses to damage. Yet, in the AI&#39s hands it barely even tries to get behind the monsters. I find myself now playing more with her than I am with my actual main character because she&#39s so dang powerful when played right. Something the AI can&#39t do.


Last edited by Temjin001 on 8/6/2016 10:54:07 PM

Temjin001
Temjin001
7 years ago

Ben, Google&#39ing it looks like it was revealed back during e3.

Temjin001
Temjin001
7 years ago

I watched a YouTube video of "wait mode" in action.
Looks like its largely used for targeting.
The video closed stating that "with wait mode anyone can play like a pro"

Say what?
This suggests that if you can&#39t play it well in real time action you still can with wait mode enabled. In other words, it&#39s easy mode =p

Graphics looked nice.


Last edited by Temjin001 on 8/7/2016 1:38:05 AM

daus26
daus26
7 years ago

Sorry. If you think it&#39s zero strategy, you&#39re not playing the demo to its potential. That&#39s just like pressing x, x, x, in turn based rpg when the battle gets easy. It&#39s the tougher battles where strategy matters. The demo showed ways you can efficiently approach the final battle. Watch YouTube. I never knew you can increase impact damage from falling higher heights amongst other things. I doubt you can get away with holding the attack button through the real fights.

daus26
daus26
7 years ago

From the looks of it, most of everyday here needs wait mode since the understanding is limited to holding attack button

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
7 years ago

Oh. Still dumb. Nothing to do with role-playing. 😉

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
7 years ago

The problem is the battle system still seems like it was chosen by throwing darts at a spinning wheel and then made easier and easier by letting you just hold down the button or this mode. Not that I want insane action on my Final Fantasy plate except in cut scenes. Looks like most of the game will be wandering a giant wasteland followed by clunky uninuitive battles. I can&#39t wait for it to pass through this year&#39s colon.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
7 years ago

That&#39s all action-based strategy. I didn&#39t say it didn&#39t have that.

I said there appears to be zero ROLE-PLAYING strategy. And there isn&#39t.

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