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Ben’s Week In Review: November 30

Well, I guess now that we're past Thanksgiving, we're officially into the Christmas season. So considering you're all probably exhausted from shopping, I'll get right to it.

Hey…don't forget about Prince of Persia

Ubisoft expects high review scores for this one, as do we. It's one of the most anticipated titles of the year, and although I know you've already splurged on top-quality titles in the past couple of months, there might be one more to nab. The only major review I can find so far is from IGN, but that's a 9.3, and all other early indications are simple and straightforward: yep, it really is that good, and it's yet another must-play. At first, I was a bit skeptical because the developers decided to take a significantly new direction with this next-gen installment, but it didn't take me long to jump on the bandwagon. Not only do I find the cel-shaded artistry to be downright gorgeous, but I think I'll love the new gameplay style. Although I had a blast with all three PoPs from the PS2/Xbox era, I typically had a problem with the battles that featured dozens of enemies against the Prince. It just seemed out of place, what with the unique and even revolutionary platforming and puzzle combination.

Those who recall Sands of Time will remember the rewind and wall-running functions of the gameplay; two factors that other developers essentially stole for use in other titles. Although I don't expect much in the way of innovation with this PoP, I certainly do expect something special. And as far as I can see, it's the last 2008 blockbuster, so don't just ignore it 'cuz you're already backlogged!

I want a North American release date for WKC!

I was a little worried when I saw the news that White Knight Chronicles wouldn't be at this year's PlayStation! Experience event in Tokyo, which started the speculation that the game may not hit its December 25 Japanese release date . Then again, now that Level 5 is holding their own little event this month, I'm hoping WKC will be the focal point of that particular gathering. If it is, I really want them to issue a launch date for North America; at the very least, could we have an estimate? Honestly, I'd be happy if they just said, "March 2009," or something. I remain annoyed and saddened that the turn-based role-playing mechanic I love so well has basically disappeared entirely, but this is one of those cases where I may not care. Provided Level 5 comes through on all their promises and the real-time combat doesn't boil down into standard hacking 'n slashing, I'll likely be happy with the result. I also know for a fact that many RPG fans out there are eagerly anticipating WKC, if only because many of them are jumping off the Square-Enix bandwagon.

As for me, I still have plenty of faith in S-E, even though I can't agree with their recent business decisions. No matter how they try to spin the issue, one can only conclude that they're kinda ignoring their loyal fans who also happen to be loyal to the PlayStation brand. Then again, the Nintendo fans probably thought the exact same thing way back when, so perhaps we don't have a leg to stand on…

Personal gaming update

So I'm nearing the end of Dead Space , and when it's over, I may replay it, or go for another Mirror's Edge run-through. I know I want Prince of Persia , Gears of War 2 , LittleBigPlanet and Left 4 Dead , but those are all on the Christmas wish list. So I'll just wait to see what I get and then make my move; in the meantime, I'm either going to do a replay or just take a break. Of course, this is about the time of year when I look back and say something like, "damn, I didn't play FFT or FFVII this year." But I did play both this year…although I didn't finish either one. That happens. I'll get the itch to play them, go for about 20-30 hours, then get sidetracked with something new, and that'll be it until the next time the itch rolls around. But I have enough time between now and Christmas to go through one of them, don't I…? Eh, maybe I'll just get Fable II . I really enjoyed the first one, and I've been hearing good things about the sequel, even though it's not really my kind of RPG. I'm just afraid that because I haven't touched my 360 in so long, I'm way overdue for the RRoD failure, and I just know it's gonna happen. LOL

By the way, thanks to all who offered up the kind responses in yesterday's editorial. I took a bit of a risk posting up something so personal, but considering I feel like I know so many of you, I figured it'd be okay. And it was. 🙂

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ZubraZap
ZubraZap
15 years ago

I have to finish Ubisoft's other gem Far Cry 2 before I can even think about PoP!

eaglebaize
eaglebaize
15 years ago

Hey, I tried the dismemberment demo of Dead Space and I was kinda disappointed in it 🙁 I've heard great things about this game, but could it be that the demo was just about the dismemberment? (As the demo's name implies) I still feel like I want to get this game, but I'm just not sure… What has everyone here that tried it thought of Dead Space? Is it a buy? I apologize for being so judgmental with games and demos.


Last edited by eaglebaize on 11/30/2008 12:02:29 AM

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

The rule in Dead Space is that it's much faster to kill an enemy if you cut their limbs off. You can kill them simply by pumping them full of bullets, but you'll waste a lot of ammo that way. The most effective way of killing foes is probably to use Stasis to temporarily freeze the enemies, then to rend them limb from limb.

The game never ceases to be fun, IMO.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
15 years ago

I ran out and bought it so I didn't play the demo, but now that some spots are selling it on the cheap I say you shouldn't hesitate. Its got some genuinely creepy moments and the unconventional weapons are a blast to experiment with. Mining equipment to slice up baddies was brilliant for survival/horror.

King James
King James
15 years ago

I haven't played a horror game as fun as Deadspace since RE4. It's that fun.

Although, it's not for everybody. I recommend u at least rent it. That game is SO engaging. At times, u really feel like u fighting for survival and NO help is coming.

The_Benny
The_Benny
15 years ago

I thought the same thing after the demo, Eaglebaize. The demo just plonks you down outside one room full of enemies then kills you when you're finished, and does a fairly poor job of showing off anything but the dismemberment. The full game is much better though.

eaglebaize
eaglebaize
15 years ago

Lol thanks guys. I'm thinking that I'll pick this one up. One more quick thing thing, how did everyone like the story of this game? That's what I really look for in games, which is why I absolutely loved MGS4 and Uncharted. Also, one more question xD Everyone (EVERYONE!!!) seems to love Bioshock. How's its story in your opinion?

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
15 years ago

Funny you should mention S-E, I just read some more "settle down please" type of stuff from them. Says corporate stooge Shinji Hashimoto to Kikizo:

"I'd rather they not think of this as a 'betrayal' or 'disappointment,' It's not like we're canceling or delaying the PS3 version at all! It's more of an added bonus for 360 fans. We won't be putting them at a disadvantage in any way."

I'm pretty sure western Sony fans are getting a delay, hmm…

King James
King James
15 years ago

Agreed. How are they not gonna delay the English PS3 version, if they want a simultaneous release?

somethingrandom
somethingrandom
15 years ago

Ben, about the editorial, I would not hit the guy (he would have you charged with assault), but I would have defended your lifestyle (even though Mr. Pretentious Jackass doesn't deserve your time). By now you have probably noticed that I use brackets everywhere in my writing (I annoy myself by doing it).

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

Oh, I'm too laid back to attack anyone. But if he ever took a swing at me, my retaliation is justified as self-defense. 😉

somethingrandom
somethingrandom
15 years ago

If that ever does happen, I want to be there. I don't care, I'll drive the 3000km or so.

King James
King James
15 years ago

I gotta be honest. I never got into the Prince of Persia games during the PS2/Xbox days. I don't know why. I just never played them, nor felt the need to play them.

But, I always respected the franchise and I think that I'm gonna try Prince of Persia this time around. I just hope that when I play it, I won't be lost with the storyline because I never played any of the previous titles. Is this new PoP a sequel or a remake?

SaladFingers
SaladFingers
15 years ago

It's a whole new game in the series with a different prince. Kind of like how final fantasy has a new story each game but keeps all of its themes

King James
King James
15 years ago

Oh ok. Well in that case, consider it coped. I wonder will it support trophies?

aaronisbla
aaronisbla
15 years ago

Dead space is a must play for those undecided. Hell, i was even suckered in to pay for just about all of the dlc after i beat it on hard. My excuse? i had some left over money off the $50 psn card so i splurged a bit. Scorpion armor and weapons do look awesome

sabitrulz
sabitrulz
15 years ago

Ah,didn't like deadspace dat much,dunno why???

tlpn99
tlpn99
15 years ago

Deadspace was ace, really loved that game. Here is the to the sequel. Did anyone thing the end was gonna happen or was it a shock ? I had heard some shocks/rumours but I chose to ignore them and find out for myself regarding the ending. Kinda glad I did now.

shadowpal2
shadowpal2
15 years ago

Prince of Persia was rated 9.3/10 by IGN US. That's pretty good…no..great…no…awesome! I should check it out – however I don't even have a PS3 yet lol. Can't wait to get one to get all these awesome games. But mainly my most desired game is MGS 4.

I'm always hearing great things about Dead Space and Fallout 3 – gotta check out those 2 as well. Have to rent Mirror's Edge – I loved the gameplay from the trailer and when other people tested it, but it's one of those games where you have to try it for yourself and see if you enjoy it.

Oh wow Ben, I can never go back to playing games of the past. I just can't play a whole game again because when I first played it I had so many awesome memories and stuff. It's kind of like with Kingdom Hearts IMO. I would have so much fun playing the 2nd one one more time through – but I just can't since I know it won't be anything like the first time I played it.

Oh well…

Goten
Goten
15 years ago

I've heard really good things about Dead Space, how do you think it lives up to the hype Ben? I'd love to be getting that and Fable 2 for christmas but I got the dreaded RRoD myself a few weeks ago and it isn't looking likely I'll get my 360 back in time before I go back to uiversity 🙁 not cool lol

tlpn99
tlpn99
15 years ago

Sorry to hear about your RRoD, my cousin just got the RRoD on his 360 (he couldn't afford getting the PS3 before now) not long had a baby etc. He was gonna be getting one in January he said though. Anyway he got one yesterday, just gotta get him hooked up online now and then I can kick his ass on all those games I have been playing for months.
I myself am in fear of the dreaded RRoD, as Ben has said in one of his earlier comments on this site somwehere he too is in fear of it. Wonder is it still the one 1 in 3 who get the RRoD ?

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

Yeah, I think DS lives up to the hype very well. It's really the best survival/horror game I've played since RE4, and also one of 2008's best titles. Certainly a must-play, IMO.

As for the RRoD, guess you're part of that ever-expanding and very unhappy club now. 😉

Goten
Goten
15 years ago

It's such a pain in the arse really, and totally unacceptable. I wouldn't have been so bothered if it wasn't for the holidays coming up, thanks for the lovely christmas present Microsoft >:(

As for Dead Space, sounds good, I really enjoyed RE4 so thats encouraging to hear. Will have to give it a go when I get my 360 back!

IonHawk
IonHawk
15 years ago

Goten, totally feel you man. I had the same thing happen to me last month, exactly on the day I finally ended up buying guitar Hero 3! 🙁 Fable 2 had also arrived the previous day and ended up gathering dust. The plus was that it gave me a lot more free time for LBP and QoS on the PS3 – boosted up my trophies a little bit! 🙂
Oh, and yeah DeadSpace was definitely THE gaming experience for me this year – no other game had that same effect on me like it did. Testament to this fact is thta it is the only multiplat game that I have ever bought for both Xbox and PS3(Controls and load times are much better on the PS3, IMO)! It was just so polished in so many ways (except maybe the cannon levels-they weren't fun!). I did see the twist coming from far away, but it didn't take away even one bit from from my enjoyment. I also watched the Deadspace:Downfall prequel movie, which wasn't half-bad. I would have loved much more explanations and character backgrounds, though.


Last edited by IonHawk on 12/3/2008 12:16:34 PM

Sr_Dogmeat
Sr_Dogmeat
15 years ago

I agree with you Ben concerning turn based games! I am in my mid 40s now and my reflexes are not anything like they used to be.

I am in good company though since the median age of gamers continues to rise. Game companies can not afford to ignore this trend for much longer.

So either bring back turn based strategy and rpgs or make the game continuously gauge your reflexive response and always just push you a little further. The CPU power is there to form an adaptive AI that could scale from Sr_Dogmeat level (think sitting duck) on up to 11 year old twitch king 🙂


Last edited by Sr_Dogmeat on 12/2/2008 12:33:13 AM

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