Menu Close

Online Support For Resistance Franchise Ends On April 8

Say goodbye to several of the most entertaining online experiences of the previous generation.

Sony is ending online support for the entire Resistance series on April 8. This means that within the next few days, you will no longer be able to enjoy online multiplayer fun with Resistance: Fall of Man , Resistance 2 , or Resistance 3 .

Insomniac said on Twitter that it wasn't their decision; Sony controls the servers:

"There are a large variety of reasons why they have to shut down. Sony makes that call though, not us. They maintain online."

As for whether or not online support for the Vita title, Resistance: Burning Skies , will end, the developer says they don't know. That one might stick around for a little longer. I just wish Insomniac would make another Resistance title because really, that was my favorite FPS franchise of the PS3 generation. Killzone 2 and Killzone 3 were great, but I just found the Resistance games to be…I don't know, more fun, I guess.

Also, don't forget that Resistance 2 was one of the very first console titles to offer 64-player action online. That was nuts .

Resistance 3 Brutality DLC: Mastadon And A Sledgehammer

Sometimes, downloadable content just sneaks up on you. But then they release a heavy-hitting trailer and suddenly, everyone is paying attention.

The Brutality DLC for Resistance 3 is now available on the PlayStation Network for only $3.99. Taking place in a "darker version" of the game's Wales location, the oncoming onslaught of Chimera just won't stop.

Therefore, you'll need extra help…how's about a sledgehammer? That's right, you can unlock the sledgehammer in this DLC, and to add to the atmosphere, Insomniac is tossing in a set of seven songs from metal band Mastadon. That should be all you need to know, but here's a pretty cool trailer:

Resistance 3 never really got enough attention or respect when it launched, so we hope it earns a bit more longevity through extra content. Besides, it's always fun to beat the tar out of enemies who just don't know when to quit.

Related Game(s): Resistance 3

Insomniac Doesn’t View Resistance 3 Sales As “Bad”

We were probably the first to point towards potentially low Resistance 3 sales .

Then, come to find out, the highly anticipated game sold 180,000 copies in its first month of availability. It also managed to crack into the top 10 for September software sales , which isn't necessarily terrible.

That being said, with Resistance 2 selling double the number of units during its first month, one has to assume the numbers are disappointing. But Insomniac community manager James Stevenson has briefly responded to the sales total: first he says comparing their game to Dead Island , which shipped around 2 million copies, "isn't really an Apples to Apples comparison." Then when they asked about the "bad news" concerning the R3 sales, Stevenson simply replied- "What bad news?"

He also cited the #7 slot R3 occupied during September in the US, but we have to wonder…is 180,000 really what they expected? Even if it's not terrible, it has to be lower than anticipated, right? Well, maybe with some decent critical acclaim, the game will see more sales during the holiday buying season.

Related Game(s): Resistance 3

Low Resistance 3 Sales Paint An Uncertain Future

When Resistance 3 launched, we warned everyone that the game didn't appear to be selling very well .

And after learning that Insomniac's new shooter only shifted around 275,000 copies, we're wondering if this marks the end of the stellar series. We've always thought the franchise never received the respect it deserved, although some critics have certainly gotten behind it this generation. The problem is that given the awesome arsenal, excellent pacing, and story-driven campaign, we're looking at a fantastic product that gamers aren't really buying. And hence, the designers haven't been justly rewarded.

When that happens, things usually have to change. Therefore, we're thinking Insomniac may continue on with Ratchet & Clank but may have to explore new IP options, both for the remainder of the PlayStation 3 lifespan and the upcoming new generation. Or they might focus on making an installment for the PlayStation Vita; Sony is pushing their new portable very hard, and the capabilities of that handheld device would be appealing to the Resistance makers. But right now, the future is very much uncertain and we find that depressing. Wouldn't it be great to see Resistance 4 as a debut PlayStation 4 title?

Early Retail Indications Point To Low Resistance 3 Sales?

Back in July, we expressed concern for the sales potential of Insomniac's Resistance 3 .

At the time, we didn't question the game's potential quality; that turned out prophetic as we say the latest Resistance entry is a fantastic game . However, the sales concerns may have been justified:

When I wandered into GameStop today, I noticed they had plenty of copies of Resistance 3 . After asking if the game was selling, I was told they hadn't sold more than two copies all day, and fewer than expected since the game's launch last Tuesday. This made me go home and place a few calls to other GameStop locations and although not all were willing to talk about sales, a few talkative employees said they noticed a smaller-than-expected turnout for what we assumed was a highly anticipated shooter. Furthermore, it seems the pre-owned total wasn't all that impressive, either.

Lastly, it wasn't difficult to find a whole lot of available copies at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Target, which may not be a good sign. Hopefully, all those who wanted the game got it last week and Sony has resupplied retailers. Still, we're getting the sneaking suspicion that indeed, shooter fans are holding out for Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 , while other gamers are simply saving their cash for the big-time fall rush. Oh, and although most critics don't place Dead Island on the same level of quality, the fact that Techland's entertaining title released on the same day as Resistance 3 could've been problematic.

But maybe we'll see some good sales numbers despite these unfortunate signs. You can't go by a handful of retailers…can you?

Related Game(s): Resistance 3

PSXE Poll Update: Gamers Expected Resistance 3 Quality

As many of you have already found out for yourselves, Resistance 3 is a damn good game.

But that didn't really surprise you, did it? When we asked if you thought Insomniac's new shooter would meet expectations, the majority said it probably would. And lo and behold, we receive what is in our opinion one of the most entertaining titles of the generation. Featuring a fantastic campaign, an amazing soundtrack, and one of the most effective and overall bad-ass arsenals in FPS history, Resistance 3 is a definite crowd-pleaser. The multiplayer isn't anything too special but it's solid and great fun if you've got some interested friends.

This week, we learn that Final Fantasy XIII-2 is 90% complete and we just have to ask: what's your take on the whole thing? Is this the game that will help Square Enix reclaim its former glory? Does it matter to you that it's more of an action/RPG than anything else? Let us know.

Related Game(s): Resistance 3