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Ben’s Week In Review: November 1

Halloween? Eh. Saturday night. Same diff.

Bayonetta: The first "AAA" game of 2010?

We all know that 2010 will be home to the likes of God of War III , Final Fantasy XIII , Gran Turismo 5 and many more, but Sega's slash-'em-up lands on the 5th of January and based on the critical reception from Japan, this could very well be the best straight-up action game of the generation so far (for the record, I put titles like Uncharted 2: Among Theives and Gears of War 2 in other categories). I know a lot of you aren't that into the idea of Bayonetta and I'm not crazy about the fact that the PS3 version will be a port, but I would strongly suggest you check it out regardless. Some of you may have already played the demo and that was enough to confirm your purchase decision, but if you don't have a Japanese account, you might still be on the fence. After all, the first quarter of next year is downright loaded with games that boast plenty of potential and Christmas is always harmful to a wallet's health. But don't balk at the challenge within (Platinum Games says it's pretty steep) and don't think this game is just about a hot heroine.

Really, the latter is one of my biggest pet peeves in regards to gamers. The "righteous" have this bizarre thought in their head that if there's a hot chick as a main character, that must mean the rest of the game automatically sucks. You know, because obviously , the developers only care about one thing, and that "one thing" is completely unrelated to the gameplay. …yeah, right. That's just too absurd to address, really.

I love me some demos

Not surprisingly, a recent study said many consumers take demos into account before deciding to buy a game, and I'm definitely one of them. How many times in the past have we stared down at a game that didn't fulfill our expectations, and we stand there, all disappointed, saying- "damn, I wish I could've played it before I bought it." Well, that sort of space-age technology didn't exist back then and now that it does, I'm all sorts of happy. I just love the idea. I would say it's a 100% positive thing, but we all know that some demos really aren't indicative of the final experience, and others are a little misleading. Take the Brutal Legend demo, for instance…you play through the introduction/tutorial section and it plays like a standard action title with the recognizable Schafer flair. Based on that demo, I bought the game. But the demo didn't include all the RTS elements and the free-roaming GTA-esque style (which I didn't like for this game), and that annoys me. Although I am a big metal fan and I normally love Scafer's stuff, these gameplay elements just didn't resonate with me.

So yeah, that's one instance where a demo failed me, and in the past, other demos were nowhere near as good as the final product. But I think they're getting better and these days, a demo is a pretty good example of what you'll see when (or if) you buy the game. It's great, for the most part.

Personal gaming update

Well, I haven't had time to go back through Uncharted 2: Among Thieves but I have played some of my favorite chapters again. It's just so amazing; I can't get over it. I'm also getting back into Shatter a little bit, just because it's a fantastic way to pass the time, and I continue to work my way through Trine . Oh, and I downloaded the PS1 classic Oddworld (lost my original copy), and I kinda forgot how tough it was to rescue all 99 Mudokens. But it's still wonderfully designed and very unique. I do plan on picking up Dragon Age: Origins this week for the Xbox 360; Arnold and I both agree it'll more than likely be the best version. However, he did say the PS3 version is just fine so you won't feel shortchanged if you only own a PS3…but hey, the 360 version just might be a bit smoother. I haven't played through an awesome RPG in quite some time, either. Although Demon's Souls is stellar, it just didn't do it for me.

I'd also like to add one final note to this whole Borderlands snafu. I really don't want to sound as if I'm whining, but the reason Arnold and I reacted the way we did is because it seems many posters are confused. They must think we do this for our health, or something. Look- believe it or not, we write every last review for you . Only very rarely is it crazy good fun for me to write a review; most of the time, it feels like the work it really is. We're trying to help with major purchase decisions; it's why we do reviews. I think the vast majority of our normal posters understand that, but we had way too many disrespectful pricks with giant superiority complexes sign up just to insult us and bash the reviews. I know every gamer on earth thinks they can review games. I realize that. But some of you really embarrassed yourselves.

That being said, just understand we do acknowledge feedback. If we didn't, we'd never reply to the comments. Prior to Borderlands , I never really saw anyone have a problem with our reviews, so I consider that to be a good thing. 🙂

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MyWorstNightmar
MyWorstNightmar
14 years ago

Hey, expect more criticism coming your way regarding your reviews. I am the new watch dog around here. And don't even think of giving GT5 a bad review, or I'll b*tch slap you!

All kidding aside, great website, very in depth reviews. It is very appreciated, at least it helps me with my purchases. Since I can't play games at work, at least I can read about them…

MyWorstNightmar
MyWorstNightmar
14 years ago

Oh, and quick rant on my part, I am getting sick and tired of answering the door for trick or treaters only to find a couple of 15 or 16 year olds with a pillow cover looking to score some sweets.

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
14 years ago

If GT5 gets everything right there's no way this game can get anything but a 10

Heck, even if they don't get damage right it still deserves a 10. Lack of damage has never made GT any less of a game

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

Well, glad it helps.

And why do you think I took OFF between the hours of 4 and 9 p.m. around here? 😉

kevinater321
kevinater321
14 years ago

haha i am one of those 15 year old trick or treaters xD. Unfortionatly you don't get nearly as much candy (N)

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
14 years ago

Meh, if gamers didn't give Nariko that much of a chance I don't see how they'll give Bayonetta a chance.

Personally I won't buy this game, specially when it's just a damn port of that inferior console

Have a lot of games to hold me over 'till February, playing: Infamous, Uncharted 2, Demon's Soul, Resident Evil 5, among others
———–

Can't wait to get Ratchet and Clank: Crack in Time, I seriously wanna get a hold of that

Personally I'm also dieing to see more of Super Street Fighter IV

johnld
johnld
14 years ago

i like nariko and heavenly sword but to me, the length of the game wasnt enough to buy it, so i just rented it.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

Length? It took me longer to beat Heavenly Sword than it took me to beat either of the Uncharteds.

Wage SLAVES
Wage SLAVES
14 years ago

Speaking of Heavenly Sword, its a shame we aren't gonna be seeing Nariko any time soon.

Imagi
Imagi
14 years ago

I would love to see another Heavenly Sword, I did think the first one was short lived. But a second version with an updated (smoother) engine would only be a good thing.

KilloWertz
KilloWertz
14 years ago

I'm with Ben on this one. It took me longer to beat Heavenly Sword than it did to beat Uncharted 2 (don't remember how long it took me for the first one). It was a good game (obviously from my avatar) that people ignored and I hope Bayonetta doesn't suffer the same fate. I understand people's feelings towards it in regards to it being ported. I really do, but it still looks like it could be pretty good.

johnld
johnld
14 years ago

dont get me wrong, i loved the game. but it was just a different time back then. had no idea which games were good. all i heard was that the game was good but short. I believe i beat the game a few hours after i rented it.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

I'm sorry john, but that's essentially impossible, unless by a "few hours" you mean like 8, and that'd be a bare minimum in my estimation.

I mean, that still might not be long enough to warrant a $60 purchase, which I understand (to some extent), but I think the idea that Heavenly Sword was "short" got blown WAY out of proportion. Pretty sure it took me like 14 hours to finish, even though I took my time and tried to do everything there was to do.


Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 11/2/2009 12:27:14 AM

oldmike
oldmike
14 years ago

1 am geting dragon age on the PS3 in part i love my PS3
and to show them "yes make games for the PS3 ppl will buy them"
fact is the only 360 game i am geting is ME2

as for Borderlands on G4 feedback show they also had
a fanboy attack about it mite just be that kind of game

LegendaryWolfeh
LegendaryWolfeh
14 years ago

Lol, say that to DOA: Extreme 2

Bugzbunny109
Bugzbunny109
14 years ago

Ben, what bands do you listening to?

Jian2069
Jian2069
14 years ago

what bands listen to ben does?

Aftab
Aftab
14 years ago

Makes no sleep anyone like Yoda type, truly.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

Er…off-topic. I'm a metal fan, of course, but I listen to other types of rock, too. Don't really want to derail the Comments section for this Week in Review for a music discussion, though.

Jian2069
Jian2069
14 years ago

Ben likes metal? :O

epic win
its also weird that i discover this after watching live pantera for the last hour


Last edited by Jian2069 on 11/1/2009 1:00:51 AM

Wage SLAVES
Wage SLAVES
14 years ago

Yeah Ben, ya might wanna refrain. I got bashed for thinking a band is pretty good. I'll try to think with the wisdom of Benny D next time I talk music…

www
www
14 years ago

Does what bands listening to Ben! Lol

Jian2069
Jian2069
14 years ago

im in a band and i listen to mostly everything ben says

Oxvial
Oxvial
14 years ago

Dragon Age Origins on XBOX 360 can go to hell…I'm going to play that on my pc.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

Bayonetta isn't even on my radar, Demons Souls is sweet and all but can I please get past the first level at some point?

I watched some gameplay of DA: origins and wow did it look sloppy. You have to run up to the enemy, press pause, select all your shiznit you need to fight them, then get back into the action and if you picked a bad scheme you gotta pause again… But I won't judge it too soon, I'll be watching for a review. Are you guys gonna review it?

Happy Hallows everyone, may your pumpkins be smashed by morning. 🙂

Oxvial
Oxvial
14 years ago

that's because its the spiritual successor of Baldurs Gate and in that game that was the same gameplay…isn't has bad like you think but that type of gameplay doesn't fit consoles.

still I heard there's other modes of play kinda Kingdom Hearts.

happy Halloween World =).


Last edited by Oxvial on 11/1/2009 12:50:11 AM

Geobaldi
Geobaldi
14 years ago

Pausing is optional. You can play the whole game in real-time if you like but pausing it and issuing orders that way makes it so much easier when you have large groups of enemies attacking you. It worked wonderfully in the Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale series.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

Of course we'll be reviewing it. When's the last time we didn't review a big game like Dragon Age? Arnold got it this past week so expect a review this week some time.

And I don't know much of anything about the game just yet, but I don't mind the pause idea. Like Geobaldi said, you did this in the Forgotten Realms RPGs, and Origins is supposed to be the "spiritual successor to Baldurs Gate," so…

I just wonder if it plays more like Fable or more like a traditional RPG (or maybe a hybrid of some kind). I know it's too much to ask for my beloved turn-based mechanic to return, so I just have to take what I can get.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

I dunno dude, sometimes multiplat reviews kind of fade into the woodwork. But I'm looking forward to reading it. If it's total badass and I still can't get anywhere with Demon's Souls I'll have a go at it.

And keep the faith on Turn based re-"turning" for Suikoden VI 😉


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 11/1/2009 2:21:13 AM

Kevadu
Kevadu
14 years ago

For what it's worth, PC Gamer has reviewed Dragon Age (the PC version, obviously) and called it the "RPG of the decade".

I am concerned as to how the PS3 version will stack up, but I still have it preordered.


Last edited by Kevadu on 11/1/2009 1:54:35 PM

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

Kevadu: Of course they called it "the RPG of the decade." The PC fans need something to desperately latch onto these days.

World: No, third-party or first-party doesn't matter to us; it's only the profile level of the game. If it's a big one, we'll try to review it just as quickly as anything else.

And I'm sorry, but I have little faith that even if there IS a Suikoden VI, it'll be turn-based. I just know my beloved mechanic is dead forever. 🙁

Kevadu
Kevadu
14 years ago

Not sure what you mean by that, Ben. Oblivion, Mass Effect, Fallout 3, Borderlands, etc. are all available for (and arguably better on) the PC. Not to mention a total glut of MMORPGs. Why would PC fans 'desperately latch on to' Dragon Age?

oldmike
oldmike
14 years ago

other then MMOs PC have been getting less and less games
Mass Effect had more bugs on the PC and Borderlands
is NOT a RPG

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

It's not about the fact that it's an RPG. It's that PC games are on the decline and anything considered to be a "spiritual successor to Baldurs Gate" absolutely "must" be "the best RPG" available because…well, it's obvious to me.

Kevadu
Kevadu
14 years ago

Well, Baldur's Gate was pretty awesome 😉 Actually, the first one had its flaws (large but rather empty world, slow plot progression, and rather punishing difficulty curve to name a few), however Baldur's Gate II retained the core concepts while fixing almost all the issues I had with the first one. It felt much more refined and better executed overall and is easily on my top 10 games of all time list.

Obviously PC gaming isn't what it used to be. I hardly game on the PC at all anymore myself (Though that's in large part due to giving up on Windows. I only run Linux now). But a good game is a good game and the Baldur's Gate series deserves its props.

What does this all have to do with Dragon Age? Nothing, really, except that it's a game made by the same people in the same style. That is enough to pique my interest, but it doesn't guarantee that the game is going to be good. But all of the review scores that are out so far (which admittedly there aren't very many of yet) are quire positive. You don't need to conjure up conspiracies of PC nostalgia to explain it.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

I think you're misunderstanding me. This isn't a commentary on Dragon Age; Arnold tells me it's good and I plan on buying it this weekend (if you hadn't noticed in my article up there). 😉

And it's not a commentary on Baldurs Gate, either. I'm just making a comment in regards to PC fans who, in my estimation, would be biased towards Origins for obvious reasons. For my part, I loved BGII and Icewindale; played those with friends a whole LOT in college.

Geobaldi
Geobaldi
14 years ago

And so far the PC version of Dragon Age has received higher scores than the console version.

It's a fantastic RPG. I'm enjoying my PC copy. Still too early to say if it will surpass Baldur's Gates' greatness or not.

Snaaaake
Snaaaake
14 years ago

I only have one word for Bayonneta, UGLY!!
She doesn't make the top 5 prettiest video game chick EVEN IN THIS GEN. A bad design indeed.
I know who's on your mind Ben……..it starts with a C……

By the way,any news on when the next Blazblue coming out?

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

That's a question for Arnold.

And I think Bayonetta is plenty pretty. Of course, you are correct…Chloe is #1. 😉

Banky A
Banky A
14 years ago

What?
Bayonetta looks great to me 😉

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

She's alright, but when I go for Goth chicks they have a cooler style. Something is up with her character design I'm not keen on, if we ever get a demo in US I'll certainly try it, there's just so much to fill up the hours right now. Even though I'm not sure about the game yet, I still get bothered by the fact that the TV ad refuses to acknowledge there's a PS3 version.

That's right, I'm too lazy to set up a Japanese account.


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 11/1/2009 2:27:05 AM

BikerSaint
BikerSaint
14 years ago

Well, I for one, think she's super-badassery hot!

(And she could jump on the back of my Harley any ole time, LOL)!

Hexen
Hexen
14 years ago

I think you guys usually have problems with posters when your scores are posted at Metacritic.I assume some gamers looked at all the scores and saw you guys gave Borderlands one of the lowest scores from all sites so they came and made you paid for it.I bet it happens to every site that gives a big game a less then stellar score.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
14 years ago

All our reviews are taken up by Metacritic and GameRankings.

But yeah, the Xbox 360/PC fanboys especially are annoyed when something like Borderlands can't stand up to a PS3 exclusive like Uncharted 2.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
14 years ago

I'd give you more than 1 thumbs up there Ben if I could.

TGG
TGG
14 years ago

You really gotta read the review to get a feel for a game. Scores are kind of pointless really. I don't think Metacritic really matters. It's all about weighing what you like. What a reviewer might hate about a game you might like. Linearity and story tend to be pretty divisive, for example.

JMO_INDY
JMO_INDY
14 years ago

Dude I can just see it, in the commercial for Borderlands there showing all the reviews fading in and out, one shows IGN 9 out of 10, "So many weapons"/ Gamespot 10 out of 10, "Great online"/PSXExtreme 8.2 out of 10,…..Wow wow wow, cut cut, what's this whole deal with a 8.2? O yeah, the game sucked. Alright move on to the Uncharted commercial. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, 24 perfect scores, thats better.


Last edited by JMO_INDY on 11/1/2009 11:16:59 AM

Fane1024
Fane1024
14 years ago

I like numerical scores for one reason: the best way to get a feel for whether you should buy a game or not (aside perhaps from playing a demo) is to read the most positive review, the most negative review, and (at least) one review from somewhere in the middle (prefereably from someone whose tastes are similar to your own). Then, you can get a good idea of which aspects of the game might please you and which might displease you.

Which is why I for one thanked Arnold for providing a contrasting view on Borderlands.


Last edited by Fane1024 on 11/4/2009 4:47:36 PM

therabbitkinge
therabbitkinge
14 years ago

Can't wait to get my hands on some of the supposed upgardes for some current fighters in 2010 like BlazBlue :continuum shift and Super Street Fighter 4 ^u^

@Ben: I hear you about Bayonetta im not exactly sure why all my compatriots think its gonna be focused entirely on T&A just because the hero is a woman I've been dying to play it because it falls into some deep action that I really wanna delve into but I guess its just another case of trying to explain my hobby to the ignorant masses T^T

@Scarecrow: if you've already invited me on psn for a challenge I apologize for not responding T^T sacrificed my cable bill for games T^T and if not my psn is :TheRabbitKingE: ^_^

johnld
johnld
14 years ago

hahaha, i bet the fact that she is covered in her own hair and it disappears when she does a big attack doesnt help the T&A angle.

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