Ben-DutkaGrand Theft Auto V is only about five weeks away! Who's pumped? YOU are!
Looks like BioWare's gonna fix Dragon Age
I don't like to use the word "fix" because in truth, I thought Dragon Age II was a great game. It had a lot of what makes role-playing fans drool, after all. But, on the other hand, it was also missing several key elements that were glaringly obvious to the RPG faithful. Not being able to fully equip all characters, being unable to fully customize the main character at the start of the adventure, and feeling constrained in these relatively small maps; it all seemed like a step back. The gameplay was still great, I liked the story a lot, and most aspects of the production really were top-notch. But those drawbacks really got on an RPG fan's nerves, and we all hoped BioWare would make the appropriate changes.
Thankfully, the more we hear about Dragon Age: Inquisition , the more I become convinced that we're going to get precisely what we want this time around. The developers have indeed heeded those complaints , as you can see. Inquisition definitely sounds like a full-on, hardcore role-playing experience, which is what we want. And I'm one of those crazy people who prefers Dragon Age to Mass Effect because I just like the fantasy setting a lot more than the sci-fi environment. So this is all good news.
I might actually buy that Burial at Sea DLC
For the record, I almost never buy downloadable content. As far as I'm concerned, when the game is done, it's done. I don't play multiplayer (and 90% of all DLC is multiplayer-oriented, anyway) and I've never felt shortchanged or ripped off after completing a campaign. I've never gone- "Damn, that just felt incomplete." That has never happened so I've never felt the pressing need to spend more on a game. However, if there's one expansion I might get it's that Burial at Sea DLC for Bioshock Infinite . Yeah, we have to wait until next year, but I don't mind that for two reasons: 1. It means the designers are taking their time, and 2. By the time it arrives, I'll definitely want to dive back into Infinite . Usually, DLC comes out so soon after the game arrives, that I'm just not interested.
So, I think the timing will be just right and the experience should be amazing. Being able to play as Elizabeth, seeing the story through her eyes and enjoying the different gameplay, returning to Rapture, seeing new aspects of the Bioshock universe…I just can't wait. I only care about single-player DLC and the last add-on I really wanted was the Battle of Forli expansion for Assassin's Creed II . I did get that DLC for Heavy Rain , The Taxidermist, which I really liked, but I got annoyed when Quantic Dream canceled the rest of the planned episodes. And they did it to focus on a Move-enabled version of the game. I mean, gimme a break .
Personal gaming update
My girlfriend and I are definitely having fun with Dragon's Crown ; if you haven't given it a whirl yet, you're missing out. I know the price tag ($50 for the PS3, $40 for the Vita) may seem daunting for a downloadable title, but remember that this game delivers at least 30-40 hours of entertainment. Atlus said it actually generates around 120 hours if you do absolutely everything, and you tackle the highest difficulty setting. Plus, don't forget that because each character offers an entirely distinct experience, there's all sorts of incentive to play through the game multiple times. Splinter Cell: Blacklist is coming in less than ten days and after seeing more of it , I can't wait. Please return to the glory days of Chaos Theory !
I love to see the effort that's going into the Suikoden Revival , but I have a bad feeling that effort is going to fall on deaf ears. Still, it proves beyond a shadow of doubt that there's still a sizable audience for the "old-fashioned" games that supposedly nobody wants. Oh, and expect a Tales of Xillia review this week. 🙂 Are the JRPG fans liking it?
I can't say I'm excited for GTAV. I do understand the sort of excitement that surrounds it though. I don't have much stock in DA myself but I hope it becomes more of the fantasy RPG gamers want.
Dragon's Crown seems great. I'm really glad it's had such a positive response. I'll check it out at some point.
If Suikoden 2 would simply get a PSN release I'd be thrilled with that. It would place itself in the queue right after I finish Xenogears.
I ordered the Splinter Cell Trilogy from Amazon for $16. I'm excited to relive some titles I really enjoyed last gen. Sure, they've aged terribly in some aspects, like graphics and stuff for the first two games, but there's still a stealth quality to them that no other games I've seen match.
PGU: Been playing too much Tekken Revolution. Thanks for the free game Namco. I have over 100 online ranked matches under my belt already. There's stuff about the game that annoys me for sure but Tekken has an unbridled ruthlessness to it's play that I can really get into. There's just so many ways to hit someone.
I've also dabbled around with Binary Domain this week. I can't say I'm all that thrilled by much of anything about it other than it's peculiar anime-like story. There's something about the whole humans being robots but not knowing it themselves thing that compels me to play more. Too bad the dialogue is crap to fair and the graphics are about the same. It seems to have a good rep around here so I'll probably give it a bit more time.
I'm about to finish up a grueling summer school quarter. After which I'd like to dive back into Darksiders 2.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 8/10/2013 11:06:27 PM
Temjin: What's your favourite Tekken Revolution character? U up for a game? Add me on psn: Dukemz
Cheers. Ps: I have average fighting game skills I think.
I adore Binary Domain. But I heard it is a nightmare on the computer.
I liked the story in BD and recommend playing it in order to see it through. The dialogue was a little cheese in some parts but the gameplay for me was the best TPS gameplay I have ever played on a console period.
It had a very classic sega feel to it the same way that virtua fighter 5 does. The menu sounds, the sound effects in game, and the controls are just so enjoyable to me. Also the multiplayer was pretty awesome too bad no one played it.
Whoa whoa whoa whoa, Girlfriend? You have broken my heart Mr. Ben Dutka.
Enjoying Xillia even if it isn't turn based. You guys like grinding, yes?
Really hoping Operation Blinking Mirror is a success. Great series. Even if it is successful they better give it their best and not create some shizz like Capcom just announced with Breath of Fire 6, SMH.
Never been a GTA fan, so meh. I appreciate the series and it's impact on gaming culture, though.
"Whoa whoa whoa whoa, Girlfriend? You have broken my heart Mr. Ben Dutka."
Uh…since like November 2012. I thought everyone knew by now. LOL
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 8/10/2013 11:40:09 PM
@ Cloudou: He's mentioned it several times. U may have been blocking it out. Lol. Denial.
I think I vaguely remember, must have slipped my mind, I blocked it from myself because the truth was just too hard to take…
Doesn't even feel like grinding it's so satisfying. Check the forums under PS3 for my customized Milla Maxwell 🙂
GTA5, could be bad but could be good. Im not a fan of overly equipped women otherwise id play Dragons Crown. It looks like a lot of fun.
Hey, hey folks.
I've got me a new PS3 and a new PC (not for gaming though) which means that you should be seeing me around a bit more from now on. Happy days, yes?
Y'know… I still haven't gotten around to playing Dragon Age Origins yet, even though it's been on my shelf pretty much since the complete edition came out, so can't say I'm all that excited for Inquisition. And to add to those woes, I actually picked up The Mass Effect Trilogy a couple of weeks ago. When it comes to the purchase of games I'm either insane or an idiot. I just like to have them in reserve, I guess.
And I'm actually tempted to hold off buying Infinite until an inevitable GotY edition comes out now that we know what the Burial At Sea DLC is. That just sounds way cool and I definitely want to play it.
Personal Update
I'm probably about three quarters of the way through Les Miserables. Wonderful novel, I must say, but Hugo does have a tendency to waffle on about the most tangential things every now and again. Can't fault him though, I find that to be a part of the charm of most classic novels.
I'm curious to know if anyone would be able to give me an approximation of how far I am through the story of Ni no Kuni. **SPOILERS** I'm searching for the three stones that hold the power of Mornstar and I'm thinking that there is still a ways to go. Clarification would be cool though. Thanks in advance. **END SPOILERS** Can't wait to finish it and finally delve into The Last of Us.
Been trying to write, but ever since I finished off the first part I've had trouble getting into the flow of the second. I know that it's probably because I wasn't properly prepared for the transition, but it is a bit of a nuisance reading back over it and just seeing that the quality isn't matching up to what it should be. Good thing it's just a first draft. So long as I can get it written it shouldn't pose too much of an issue.
And well… in addition to the Mass Effect Trilogy, I got Assassin's Creed: Revelations and Lollipop Chainsaw with my new PS3. Still need to finish AC1 (lol). Also got Castlevania: LOS and RE6 in the local video store's "going out of business" sale for $9 and $3 respectively, so my backlog is now enormous.
My uni application has now gone through, so I'm left to play the waiting game on that front, but I'm positive about it, and I've started Muay Thai training and have been getting my a*se kicked for the last two weeks, but I'm feeling better than I have in a long time. Oh, the wonders of exercise.
Anyway, enough waffling from me.
Peace y'all.
Yo Damien, sounds like your Odyssey went well.
That it did, Dave. It really helped me in a lot of ways to realise that I've believed in a philosophy all this time, yet never acted on it. Now that I have a computer again I've been thinking of writing something along the lines of a long-form wrap-up and reflection. If I do, I'll pop it up in the forums for any interested parties.
Dragons crown also got a physical release with an awesome art book by the way… 🙂 Xillia has got me hooked so I've only put a couple hours into dragons crown using the amazon and im loving it so far. Kind of excited to pick up mario and luigi dream team as well later today.
Glad to see people enjoying the Tales titles.
You open to getting the single player DLC for The Last of Us Ben? I'm hoping it's Ish's story.
PGU: I'm finally at a break point in The Last of Us after many play throughs. I think 8 by my last glance at my save files. Yes, I played the campaign 8 times. Overkill for many of you I'm sure. I'm trying to rush through Pikmin 2 so I can start Pikmin 3. I passed on these games when they were first released. Wish I hadn't. They're a lot of fun and my daughter enjoys watching. Can't wait to dive into 3. Pikmin in HD…yes please!
Last edited by Jawknee on 8/11/2013 1:40:41 AM
The way they revealed snippets of Ish's story has also got my interest perked for potential single player DLC. If it's not this, I'm getting it either way. Have u got all the single player trophies?
Yup, got all the campaign trophies. I just have two of the MP trophies left then ill have platinum. They are easy to get too. Just going to take time as they require playing 12+ in game weeks of matches for each faction. Easy just time consuming.
Wow that's commitment, good for you.
Yeah, I might get that DLC.
World, my wife called it an obsession. Lol I just adore TLoU. There has only been two other games this gen that grabbed my attention this long and had me playing it over and over again only taking a break because something else came out. MGS4 and Zelda Skyward Sword. I wonder what will be next?
Finally picked up Journey at the recent PSN sale. Wow… Utterly brilliant! Cried like a baby at the end of my first playthrough. Even a few tears at the end of my second playthrough. That game is pure art and I can't praise it enough.
Going through Killzone 2 for a nostalgia boost. It must be my favourite FPS. The Helghast are brilliant enemies…
Bioshock Infinite. Left my a bit cold after the first hour. Doubt I would by the DLC.
GTA. Stil a bit jaded after IV and being nagged by girlfriends and buddies all the time and the shonky targetting system and lack of checkpoints. Fix all them then it may be worth a look.
I still haven't got Bioshock Infinite. Maybe it's because I just couldn't get into the previous 2 games and left them incomplete. It's on the psn sale here in Europe if anyone is interested. £20.
I'm one of those who prefers the sci-fi setting of Mass Effect over the fantasy of Dragon's Age. Maybe because I like that feeling of exploring a huge galaxy.
@ Ben: Maybe you could ask the question of preference of RPG ssetting in an Editorial? 🙂
PGU: As usual tackling a huge backlog. Having some time off work helps. Playing Trine 2, Spec Ops, When Vikings Attack, Hitman, Tekken Revolution, … The list is endless… Sigh. Looks like I'm holding out on getting the PS4 at launch
I just downloaded Hitman since its free for PS+ members. Can't say I'm enjoying it very much. After playing the Last of Us the third person and stealth mechanics feel stiff.
well it has been a slight grind of a week but some interesting gaming news.
happy gaming =)
Ben, what will you do if Naughty Dog's next game IS a sci-fi adventure?
I'm just loving Xillia.
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/11/2013 12:01:03 PM
I'll probably play it, but I can almost guarantee I won't like it as much as Uncharted or TLoU. 🙂
I am looking forward to the new DLC BAS. I think everyone wanted to see Rapture tn all its glory before the fall. Dragon Crown will be mine this week. Looking forward to it.
Playing both Last of US and Ni No Kuni this week, but not as much as I'd hoped to. Also playing Gravity Rush on the Vita. The stage design is bewildering and the motif, art style, and story is really hypnotic. I know a new gen is starting this year, but it definitely doesn't feel like a gen is ending (thanks to Sony, really). And, I think even Sony's naysayers can accept that to some extent.
Couldn't care less about GTA5 really. Those games are cool, and ambitious but I find myself getting bored in open world games. If it gets some good reviews I might check it out but not until later down the road.
I still don't trust Bioware with DA:Inquisition. Thats a game I'm going to have to really research before buying. I loved the first one but hated the second one. Also the Mass Effect series started great but I liked each sequel less than the prior one so yeah if this is Biowares return to form I'll be back on board but right now they are in my avoid pile. Its especially hard for me to get excited when The Witcher 3 will be coming maybe even around the same time and no matter how much praise DA:I gets The Witcher is getting my money first.
Dragons crown is why I play games and in fact showed me what I want in my games, and that is gameplay progression. Rayman Origins did this really well too. The game has so far kept introducing neat little gameplay elements that weren't there in the beginning. This is actually something that I felt was lacking in TLOU, still a great game but had gameplay that didn't really evolve as I played it, which is fine but I think Dragons Crown made me realize I really like to have stuff like that in my games.
I think Dragons Crown is going to be a game most people overlook for a shallow brawler, and while it starts off really easy, there are some really nice gameplay systems that open up after a while that give it a risk vs reward feel. You can continue adventuring in dungeons but you might break your items in the process, however if you continue to adventure you get a bonus in score gained which converts to XP gained. You get more bonuses for consecutive continues but it gets harder and harder to continue. That system really made me start enjoying the game even more than I already was, and the rune system that opens up is another really excellent gameplay element that isn't there when you start the game.
Anyway bottom line Dragons Crown might be my GOTY so far, I played it for 15 hours with my friends co op over the weekend we had off, so about 5 hours a day and we are all loving it to death. Our only complaint is that it isn't as challenging as we want it to be but I heard the hardest difficulty mode is a real challenge so I'm looking forward to unlocking that.
Not too excited for GTA5. I dont purchase the games for any reason other than running around and finding things to do. I will admit I did finish the campaign in GTA4 (that was a first) but I certainly didn't think highly of it. I think it was the forst time finishing it because as Ive gotten older my need to finish things has gotten higher. Othrwise my reason for purchasing these games is the same as *approximately 80% of the other consumers.