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Ben’s Week In Review: February 5

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! No, I don't really care who wins. 🙂

I like Ninja Theory's unapologetic style

While many fans of the franchise in question still bemoan Dante's new design (and I'm one of those who dislike the "emo" style), I have to say I appreciate the developer's stoic attitude throughout all the backlash. They haven't dismissed fan complaints; they've correctly acknowledged them and responded firmly. Capcom had to approve any new artistic creations; publisher and designer continue to work closely, so people need to remember that. Secondly, they've flat-out said they're not a Japanese team and they're not about to apologize for that. They have their own artists with their own influences, and by the way, they've produced a couple great titles this generation.

Whether you agree with their stance or not is irrelevant. I just like the stick-to-your-guns position, which I wish I'd seen from certain Japanese developers this generation. They've all been trying to be something they're not and Ninja Theory is flat-out saying it's silly to do any such thing. Stick to what you know, do what you're good at; that will give you the best result. Attempting to mimic other designers immediately puts you at a disadvantage. Artistry should flow; it shouldn't be forced.

And yet, Capcom feels a little out of touch…

Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City is set for March 20, and I appreciate that Capcom has made the following clarification: it isn't an official part of the series; it's just a spin-off. But what I'm not quite understanding is why they think that such an effort will have no impact on hardcore, die-hard franchise fans . You know, it does. Even if they understand what it is – an attempt at getting different kinds of gamers attracted to the series – they still feel like they're being ignored. On top of which, how can you tell us Resident Evil 6 has "more action" and still claim to be catering to the long-time followers?

I must be missing something. Maybe RE6 will be more survival/horror than we all think, but I doubt it. Capcom has already relabeled it; calling it "dramtic horror," and I'm not sure I understand the distinction…I guess one is just slower-paced and relies more on the atmosphere and adventure elements rather than third-person shooting. And I still fail to see how the direction they're taking RE won't annoy fans. I don't get that.

Personal gaming update

Had to stop playing Final Fantasy XIII-2 for a while so I could tackle a couple new games- NeverDead and The Darkness II . As you can see, NeverDead was less than mediocre and that's really disappointing, because it really had a fantastic concept. Gotta love the idea, but gotta hate the crap-ass execution. I can't really talk about The Darkness II yet (I think all info is embargoed until Tuesday), but I hope they won't mind me saying- the game is fun . And it's sick . There's just so much I want to say, but I gotta save it…

This week, I'll also have to tackle Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning , which seems to have potential. I guess Curt Schilling is a little nervous but that's to be expected. This industry is very unforgiving when it comes to newcomers; either make a great game or die. Sadly, that's very often the required stipulation. I think Curt understand that. At any rate, the demo was pretty interesting , so I'm looking forward to playing more.

Lastly, stay tuned for info on the new PSXE Show, which should be airing soon in the PlayStation Home Community Theater.

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Temjin001
Temjin001
12 years ago

yeah, can't blame NT for doing everyone a favor by doing what they know how to do best. While ardent fans of the series will seemingly be forever upset by the re-invisioned look and the decision to westernize a very eastern franchise, at least accept the fact they're doing what they know best.

I'm personally not interested in RE6. I liked the first game a lot. The GC remake was pretty nice as well. But those days seem to be over for me now.

PGU: All of the hype of SCV this week gave me cause to go out and purchase… … SSF4:AE =p
I got it new for $20, new from Gamestop. The only company I know who sells games as new even with it missing an instruction manual, ripped from the packaging, with one of their NEW price stickers adhered with super glue to your well handled game case devoid of it's shrink wrap. It's not really that I care much for my manual, especially for a fighting game I already know about, and heck, half the time I consider trashing all of my game cases and manuals in favor of paper sleeves held neatly in a box–lots of shelf space saved that way. But my point, Gamestop, as a company, assumes no one cares that they do this and they're the only company I know who considers to do it because it would seem they know they're dealing with teenagers and low income folk who penny pinch for trade-ins and get had by EDGE cards. Customers who get sold open products with missing content as new. Basically, to sum it up. Walking into a Gamestop means lowered standards of professionalism between the business and the consumer.

Anyhow, I hope SCV does sell well. I feel like fighting gamers are brothers. We all have a genre that's survived the ages of change. Maybe it's the competitive nature of fighting that keeps them selling well, but I want all like-genre j-fighters to be well received because I don't want the format to fizzle out for something new and different.


Last edited by Temjin001 on 2/4/2012 11:25:31 PM

Killa Tequilla
Killa Tequilla
12 years ago

Yea man, now im pissed, when i bought my MGS HD Collection NEW the guy at gamestop took the case from the shelve, went back to his station, opened a droor and he goes on to pick up the blu ray with his greasy hands and inserts it in the case. He then seals the case with a sticker. I asked him, "is this new?" and he sais, "yes." i was confused because im usually used to my new games coming sealed with a wrapper. I then asked the guy why it isnt sealed with a wrapper and he just sais, "because its the last copy we have and we need a display case." I just took the game and left… Now that i think about it, i regret it.

Temjin001
Temjin001
12 years ago

Yeah, its been like that for years. It bothers me even more because games these days come with single use game passes, or maybe beta demo codes. I'd hate to think the code was stolen from my game.

johnld
johnld
12 years ago

i never picked up a "new" gamestop game because i know what they do with it. these are the games that the employees can borrow. my bros ex used to work at gamestop and she used to borrow a lot of games for him from gamestop. they may say that they dont allow their employees to do that but it does happen. thats the reason i dont trust when gamestop employees say that the "gutted" games are still new games. since bluray discs are scratch resistant, its harder to tell. if they start to give me a gutted game copy, i tell them you better give me a new sealed copy or i'm walking. lucky for me that theres so many damn gamestops where i live. i rarely shop at gamestop but when i do, its usually for an older game since they'll would have them still sealed most of the time. i bought star ocean last hope for ps3 for $20 at the store, all sealed up.

dmiitrie
dmiitrie
12 years ago

One more reason for me to not go to Gamestop. Thanks Temjin!

oldmike
oldmike
12 years ago

the one i go to (and only do to dam pre order stuff) knows i will ask for my cash back if its open so they save me one

PS geting darkness 2 loved the 1st one

cLoudou
cLoudou
12 years ago

Yeah, I tried The Darkness 2 demo and it is very fun. Kinda reminded me of Chimeran Nathan Hale at the end of R2 that I wished would be playable in R3.

Picked up SCV even though I said I would not buy, but I only paid about $4 bucks out of pocket after trading in Sky rim and Deus Ex.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I'm really not sure what to say about FFXIII-2 except I'm still playing it.

souljah92
souljah92
12 years ago

I found that game to be the utmost bollocks my cash has ever gone towards, i will never support ff again if only i buy the next installment to wipe my buttocks with le instruction manual and mail it back to them

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

well tell us how you really feel

___________
___________
12 years ago

yea i gotta applaud NT for sticking to their guns under the immense pressure they have been copping.
but that said does not mean i agree with what there doing to my poor dante!
crapcom just dont get it.
i cant understand whats happened to the japanese industry this gen, i mean when did someone come and steal all there eyes?
there convinced and refuse to believe otherwise, that fans just want the same series they love turned on its head.
why?
i just cant understand how you can bi*** and scream at them so loud you shatter every piece of glass on this universe, but they still cant get it through their thick heads!
how is that possible?
no one can be that blind!

grabbed arkham city on my PC last night and finished it again, oh god i still cant believe rocksteay did that.
and they had a interview about it a few days ago that was a really interesting read, i can see why they did it but come on, its just, you cant.
ruined the whole game for me!
i really hope they do another batman game and this time instead of having most of the missions take place inside closed buildings id be cool if we had many more set outside in the city.
thats what i was expecting arkham city to be, when they announced its going to have a much bigger city, and almost open world, i expected instead of having a big explorable city to roam around in, but missions restricted to in doors like arkham asylum i expected they would be out side.
but there not, there in doors just like asylum just a bigger outside to roam about.

they really need to open up the levels, instead of having all the missions indoors open it up to the city.
they really need to bring back the usefulness of the gadgets too.
the thing i loved about arkham asylum was you felt exactly like batman!
you relied on the shadows, playing cat and mouse with your enemies, laying traps and luring them to your traps.
you used your gadgets opposed to your fists to eliminate enemies.
arkham city is the complete opposite though, simply because the AI has changed so much.
in asylum if you throw a batrang a enemy investigates where it landed, so you can force a enemy to walk right into your trap.
city though they magically know exactly where it was thrown from even if your 500KMs away from them.
every enemy is watching each other too, so it makes it nigh on impossible to take down a enemy silently because everyone is watching each other.
in asylum enemies walk around the areas, so all you have to do is wait till enemies walk into a black spot and you can take them down.
city though most of the time they dont, they always stay within a small area, and never move into areas where they cant be seen.
it just spoils the fun of playing stealth fully, it was so much fun in asylum because you could throw a batrang and then watch them freak out it was so funny.
now you cant though, just spoils the fun.

asylum was so much fun because you felt like batman, you relied on your gadgets and reflexes more then your fists.
city though is the complete opposite, your always relying on your fists and less on your gadgets.
they really need to add in some deadly gadgets, something that will knock out a enemy instantly instead of just stunning them forcing you to go up to them, and putting yourself 2mms away from 20 goons with machiene guns!
yea, a little birdy tells me that might not be such a great idea…….

they need to add more of the sniper missions too, i was really disappointed theres only 1 if i remember right in arkham city, on the way to the theater to meet the joker.
that was the best part of arkham asylum, sneaking behind enemies, and forcing you to be strategic on who you take out and when.
arkham city fell the same fate as almost every sequel last year.
improved upon allot of things, added allot of better things, but also removed what made the originals so great.
in this case the more i guess you could call dumb AI, and the sniper missions.
AA had heaps of them, AC had, what, 1?


Last edited by ___________ on 2/5/2012 1:36:08 AM

johnld
johnld
12 years ago

deadly gadget….. batman….yeah. i believe the main thing with batman, and it showed in arkham city that he wont kill.

___________
___________
12 years ago

you know what i mean.
knock them out instantly instead of having to go in close inviting the other 20 guards to put 100 bullets into your back!

dmiitrie
dmiitrie
12 years ago

I, too, appreciate NT for saying, this is what we do. If we did seething else, the game would suffer." I wish all devs, both east and west, would adopt that attitude.

I also wish nothing but the best for Kingdoms of Amular. I know IGN already gave it a 9.0, but am eagerly awaiting your review, Ben.

PGU: despite a backlog that includes RDR, the MGS Collection, WKC II, AC Brotherhhod and Revelations, I've found myself going back to Arkham Asylum. After reading several classic Batman comics this week, including the eponymous "Serious House on Serious Earth", I just had to go back and replay it. I think I may even try to make this and Arkham City my first two platinums.

Beamboom
Beamboom
12 years ago

The Darkness! Of course, I had almost forgotten that one in my currently increasing pre-ME3-fever. So that game turned out to be good? I hope it is "Deus Ex-good".
I was very unsure of Deus Ex too, and it ended up being my biggest positive surprise of 2011!


Last edited by Beamboom on 2/5/2012 1:31:28 PM

SolidFantasy
SolidFantasy
12 years ago

Good for NT. It's a tough balance of what the fans want and your own creative design.

My PGU. Been busy. Still plugin away at FFIX. Heading for Finland tomorrow. I think I will get a Vita for sure. If it's not all I want it to be I will get a nice gaming laptop this summer. Otherwise I'll get the cheapest PC I can find.

Also stoked for TM. That should soak up my online gaming needs.

johnld
johnld
12 years ago

as much as i like ninja thoery's response the devil may cry reboot, they still havent shaken what i dont like from them. based on heavenly sword and enslaved, i know that they're capable of something great…… if they put everything they had it in and some attention to detail. i cant say much about heavenly sword but they definitely dropped the ball on enslaved. i think since enslaved was multiplatform, they didnt really care about polishing it up. they just wanted the game done. heavenly sword is a better quality game compared to enslaved, in the technical aspects at least.

As i havent been an avid fan of the resident evil series, i have played and watched a few games being played, i really hate the fact that once great publishers/developers are starting not to care about their loyal fans. Square has done it with one of my favorite franchise, final fantasy. he's a thought i want square enix to burn into their brains, also anyone who have establised game franchises. Theres a reason you are making a 13th final fantasy game, because the LOYAL FANS BOUGHT YOUR GAMES. if you create the same type of game that your fans would love then you basically cemented a good amount of sales just by fan purchases. stop alienating the fans who carried your company to the top because if we leave, you'll just crash all the way down. theres no point in going after the call of duty crowd because they wont play any other game other than call of duty.

PGU: right now i'm working on mgs3 snake eater from the hd collection. after that, its peace walker. i dont know if i'll play mgs2 since i already played it. after that, maybe need for speed shift 2, got it as a gift. frankly with gt5 on my shelf, i dont see myself playing it. so basically after peace walker, it'll be battlefield 3 all the time. i still do have skyward sword and metroid other m still on deck but i can get to that anytime. i also got a psn message saying my uncharted 3 starhawk code can be redeemed so i'll try that too.

as much as i want to play final fantasy 13-2 and mass effect 3, i have no problem waiting till both games are under 20 bucks. i want to try kingdom of amalur too but i can also wait till its really cheap. sadly kmart, bestbuy, and target deals have dried up so i dont mind waiting for game prices to lower. i want to play soul caliber V and twisted metal but i think i outgrew those genres. fighting games isnt worth the money for me now so i tend to just avoid them.

i played the twisted metal demo too and although i liked playing, i dont playing it as much as in the ps1 days. i had a blast playing the challenge even though i never won, but i dont see any longetivity with the game for me. one thing that stood out when i played, i dont get why people made a big deal health pickups.

1. i was going too fast to even notice what pickups were around me.

2. health pick ups were random and the map was pretty damn big to memorize where it will be

3. i couldnt find the health pick ups at all. i kept driving and just keep seeing more missiles than anything. once an enemy is on my tail, he just kept chipping away my health no matter how fast i go. maybe my twisted metal driving is rusty but health pickups wont really matter much.

Russell Burrows
Russell Burrows
12 years ago

dramtic horror??

The case of the missing A and the spelling nazi.

And touchdown!!

Back to the game!!

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