Video Games...Discuss Them

[megladon8]

"Fez" really is some kind of masterpiece.

There's always something that makes my jaw drop - new ways of manipulating your perspective to solve puzzles.

And it's a beautiful game.

[Morris Schæffer]

I've got Fez, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I will eventually.

[Dukefrukem]

Beat Borderlands 2. Great SP campaign. Going to try and get all the side quests now.

[Dukefrukem]

I've got extra copies of DOTA2 if anyone wants them.

On steam of course.

[megladon8]

So yeah, "Halo 4" is mind-blowingly awesome.

It's distinctly Halo, but with enough re-vamping to feel new and fresh.

It's absolutely gorgeous. Like, "Crysis" levels of beauty.

But what's really blowing me away is the sound. Every single sound effect has been redone, from the weapons to the alien noises.

The assault rifle sounds and feels like a substantial part of your arsenal now.

And the new weapon, the Saw, (I think a more primitive version may have been in a previous entry in the series?) is just awesome. Basically a heavy machine gun, and it tears through enemies.

I also can't argue with reviewers' claims that it may be the best paced shooter since "Half Life 2".

It's quite a game.

[Dukefrukem]

Please show me the reviewer who compared Halo to HL so I can begin writing my hate mail.

[megladon8]

Halo > Half Life. ;)

[Idioteque Stalker]

I just beat Half-Life 2 yesterday and played the first handful of Halo missions today. While I like both, I gotta disagree with Meg on this one. The pacing of HL is seamless.

Is this Halo harder than the others? I'm playing on heroic and those Knights are really, really tough.

[megladon8]

I just beat Half-Life 2 yesterday and played the first handful of Halo missions today. While I like both, I gotta disagree with Meg on this one. The pacing of HL is seamless.

I didn't mean the pacing was better than "HL2", I was just saying that in general I prefer the "Halo" games to "Half Life".

"Half Life 2" is pretty masterful, no doubt.



Is this Halo harder than the others? I'm playing on heroic and those Knights are really, really tough.


Hmm...I wouldn't say it's harder. It's definitely got its tricky moments (I'm about halfway through the campaign so I'm sure there's harder stuff to come).

The big thing is that the Prometheans are a completely different enemy with new tactics, and I think that makes them seem more difficult.

Always take care of the flying Guardians first. They provide cover for all the other Prometheans, and if you throw a grenade, they will catch it and throw it back at you.

Have you encountered the baddie yet? It's a pretty neat moment. And shortly thereafter there's an introduction to a new vehicle, and it rocks.

I'm giddy playing this game. :lol:

[megladon8]

"Halo 4" continues to blow me away.

So gorgeous, so well paced. And yes, the sound design continues to astound.

The feel of the Mantis is great.

[Idioteque Stalker]

Just found out there are only 8 missions. I've finished 5 already. And yeah the mantis is cool. Is it available in multiplayer?

343 sure loves their orange/blue color scheme.

[Dukefrukem]

I finished Lost and Damned , Episodes from Liberty City. Wasn't bad. The ending finale was fun. It's about a 7 hour campaign.

Moving on to Ballad of Gay Tony.

[megladon8]

Just found out there are only 8 missions. I've finished 5 already. And yeah the mantis is cool. Is it available in multiplayer?

343 sure loves their orange/blue color scheme.


8 missions is pretty standard for a "Halo" game. They're fairly lengthy missions - each one has been taking me about an hour to complete. On Legendary that length will be extended significantly due to difficulty.

I believe it is available in multiplayer, yes. Unfortunately I won't be able to do much with the multiplayer at this point, because of my terrible internet connection.

I really like the distinct architecture of each of the three species (human, covenant, promethean). Incredible design.

[D_Davis]

The newest Lumines game is fantastic. Incredible soundtrack, and enough new things to make the game feel different.

On the other hand, I can't stand the Assassin's Creed for the vita. I really dislike the AC games, and this one takes the cake for boredom. 1/3 of the game you play as a proper lady (one of the costumes) and in this persona you can't run, climb, jump, or do anything that makes the AC games worth playing. You just walk around and look at stuff and avoid thugs who try to mug you. Really bad.

[Ezee E]

Playing, or should I say, watching, Uncharted 3. On Chapter 4, and I haven't really done anything.

Even my girlfriend said, "You're basically watching a movie."

[Dukefrukem]

Playing, or should I say, watching, Uncharted 3. On Chapter 4, and I haven't really done anything.

Even my girlfriend said, "You're basically watching a movie."

aar6VZHLS9A

[Winston*]

Playing, or should I say, watching, Uncharted 3. On Chapter 4, and I haven't really done anything.

Even my girlfriend said, "You're basically watching a movie."

Yeah, the series lost its magic by the third one for me. You don't have much agency during the big set pieces in 2 but at least when I was playing it I felt like I did.

[Morris Schæffer]

Anyhow, on to Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. I had to freshen up on the last game's ending. I was aghast to re-discover the finale reveals a striking resemblance to Ridley Scott's Prometheus. :lol:


This is remarkable. I'm at the beginning of the game, playing as Desmond, running around in the huge villa from AC2, the one that served as a home base of sorts. The one owned by Ezio's uncle Mario. And as I'm walking around with my companions, spectral figures are running away from something. In this case, from the invaders, led by the Borgias. Not all of Ezio's friends make it out alive.

[Dukefrukem]

This is remarkable. I'm at the beginning of the game, playing as Desmond, running around in the huge villa from AC2, the one that served as a home base of sorts. The one owned by Ezio's uncle Mario. And as I'm walking around with my companions, spectral figures are running away from something. In this case, from the invaders, led by the Borgias. Not all of Ezio's friends make it out alive.

FYI, I think you're the only one here who has played Brotherhood. So no one is going to read the spoilers.

I have it sitting next to me. Still wrapped. Not sure when I will get to it unless you begin to highly praise it.

[Acapelli]

played brotherhood and just beat revelations while stuck at home during sandy last week

hopefully amazon will pricematch best buy's $35 for 3 on black friday

[Sven]

FYI, I think you're the only one here who has played Brotherhood. So no one is going to read the spoilers.

I... I read the spoilers.

[shaun]

I have an Xbox 360 console that I bought at launch with a 20GB hard drive. Is there any reason for me to upgrade?

It still works although I've only turned it one once in the past couple years just to see if it still works.

[Ivan Drago]

To those who have played Halo 4: in its multiplayer mode, can you create your own weapons classes like in Call of Duty?

[Idioteque Stalker]

To those who have played Halo 4: in its multiplayer mode, can you create your own weapons classes like in Call of Duty?

Yes, but at this point it's not nearly as robust. I hear they're adding content in the future though. That said, even now I like the multiplayer a lot more than the campaign.

[Morris Schæffer]

I... I read the spoilers.

No big deal right? Just eerily reminiscent of Prometheus.

[Dukefrukem]

http://media1.gameinformer.com/imagefeed/featured/rockstar/gtav/1928356/CoverReg610.jpg

[Skitch]

Just picked up the God Of War saga, all 5 games. Goodbye life!

[megladon8]

They really took the "Halo" music in a completely new direction.

Gone is the rousing orchestra, replaced by a constant, eerie ambient soundtrack loaded with what I can only describe as "sci fi sounds".

It's equally awesome, just completely different. Very fitting for the Promethean planet, which is so very, well, alien.

Also - revelation about the origin of the Prometheans. :eek:

[Winston*]

FYI, I think you're the only one here who has played Brotherhood. So no one is going to read the spoilers.

I have it sitting next to me. Still wrapped. Not sure when I will get to it unless you begin to highly praise it.

I've played it through. I have no idea what the story is though. Didn't pay any attention.

[Morris Schæffer]

http://media1.gameinformer.com/imagefeed/featured/rockstar/gtav/1928356/CoverReg610.jpg

Trailer is coming next week!!!!!!!!

[megladon8]

Finished "Halo 4" and it was sublime. An incredible beginning to a new story, and we are finally given a singular enemy (rather than the Covenant as a whole). The Didact is menacing, and the backstory we are given through the magnificent animated cut-scenes unlocked through the hidden terminals is awesome, and broadens the Halo universe in huge and unexpected ways.

Discovering the secret origins of various species in the universe (won't mention names so as not to spoil :)), was so very cool.

Have already begun a second play-through on Legendary and man-oh-man is it tough.

[Morris Schæffer]

GTA V will be bigger than RDR, San Andreas and GTA IV put together. Players will be able to go to the beach, buy diving gear and explore the ocean.
Cars will behave more race-like, will be more nimble. It will have three playable characters.

[Dukefrukem]

GTA V will be bigger than RDR, San Andreas and GTA IV put together. Players will be able to go to the beach, buy diving gear and explore the ocean.
Cars will behave more race-like, will be more nimble. It will have three playable characters.

Scares me. Too much to do. I was annoyed enough I needed to take people out to eat all the time so they would like me.

But, it's GTA so I will dump 100 hours into it and it will be fun.

[Skitch]

Hmmm, I have not been much of a GTA fan, but I haven't played part 4. Any chance they've improved the controls when on foot and shooting? I could never hit anybody. The reason I ask is I could probably get part 4 for about $5 now...

[Dukefrukem]

Hmmm, I have not been much of a GTA fan, but I haven't played part 4. Any chance they've improved the controls when on foot and shooting? I could never hit anybody. The reason I ask is I could probably get part 4 for about $5 now...

On PC it's wicked easy ;)

[Dukefrukem]

Steam keeps giving me copies of DOTA2. So if anyone here wants one, let me know.

[SirNewt]

Hey folks. I've already pimped this here and I feel reluctant to do so again but some friends of mine made a student game called Nitronic Rush and they're looking for support. Since the school we all went to doesn't allow us to sell our games or keep our IPs, they have a kickstarter going to make a spiritual sequel they're calling Distance. If you haven't played Nitronic Rush, you can get it here, http://nitronic-rush.com/ for free.

These guys won't waste the money. They are super dedicated. They released several updates for Rush after having already passed their game class and despite the fact that they were getting no money from the extra content. Two of the three guys are living in a two bedroom apartment with four other people just so they can do this. And trust me, they could be making a lot of mone at many of the studios around here.

So if you like arcade racers like Sanfransisco Rush or even if you just like supporting independent developers please donate to their campaigne, http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1857884659/distance-a-next-generation-arcade-racer.

[number8]

GTA V will be bigger than RDR, San Andreas and GTA IV put together. Players will be able to go to the beach, buy diving gear and explore the ocean.
Cars will behave more race-like, will be more nimble. It will have three playable characters.

This guarantees that I will never play this game.

[Sven]

Assassin's Creed has been a buggy series from the beginning, but I have to say, although I think that AC3 is in nearly every way the best entry so far, it is also the buggiest. Lots of delayed reactions, character jolts, missions with unintentionally liquid parameters. It's not damning, but it is noticeable.

[SirNewt]

Assassin's Creed has been a buggy series from the beginning, but I have to say, although I think that AC3 is in nearly every way the best entry so far, it is also the buggiest. Lots of delayed reactions, character jolts, missions with unintentionally liquid parameters. It's not damning, but it is noticeable.

That's odd. They're on the same engine right?

[EyesWideOpen]

My top ten games of 2012 (so far):

1. Journey
2. Mass Effect 3
3. FEZ
4. The Walking Dead
5. Dust: An Elysian Tail
6. Borderlands 2
7. Final Fantasy XIII-2
8. Papa & Yo
9. Rock Band Blitz
10. Alan Wake's American Nightmare

[Winston*]

Finished Dishonoured. Really enjoyed it. The sneaking in this game is so good. Tried to play it largely avoiding killing people. Warping directly behind someone and choking them out is continually satisfying.

However, I wish the story and dialogue wasn't so weak. You'd think if they put all this effort into the architecture, they'd put more into the narrative. The game doesn't even address the irony of trying to depose a dictator in order to instill a child empress. Why doesn't every game that tries to create a compelling story and world hire a proper author to help them out?

[megladon8]

My top ten games of 2012 (so far):

1. Journey
2. Mass Effect 3
3. FEZ
4. The Walking Dead
5. Dust: An Elysian Tail
6. Borderlands 2
7. Final Fantasy XIII-2
8. Papa & Yo
9. Rock Band Blitz
10. Alan Wake's American Nightmare


Very nice list! I'm strongly considering purchasing a PS3 after Christmas to play "Journey".

My top 10 would include these:

Spec Ops: The Line
Max Payne 3
Fez
The Walking Dead
Halo 4

Though I'm not sure I've actually played 10 titles released this year.

[Skitch]

I forgot how big God of War was/is. Having a blast replaying it.

[Skitch]

Oh and I beat Forgotten Sands. Much closer to the original trilogy than the 4th entry, but some of the timely platforming was hair-pulling ridiculous.

[Dukefrukem]

My top ten games of 2012 (so far):

1. Journey
2. Mass Effect 3
3. FEZ
4. The Walking Dead
5. Dust: An Elysian Tail
6. Borderlands 2
7. Final Fantasy XIII-2
8. Papa & Yo
9. Rock Band Blitz
10. Alan Wake's American Nightmare

Good list. I've bolded the two I strongly oppose being in the top 10.

[EyesWideOpen]

I strongly oppose to The Raid being the best movie you watched in 2012 so we're even.

[D_Davis]

I'm finally making some headway into Shadows of the Damned - what a fun, silly game.

[D_Davis]

Journey is the best new game I've played this year. But I haven't played very many new games. Mainly I've just been playing the Souls games.

[megladon8]

I'm finally making some headway into Shadows of the Damned - what a fun, silly game.


I have that on my "to play" pile.

I'm (obviously) going to be spending a lot of time with "Halo 4".

I'm just super bummed about my internet connection. I'll have to get all of my play time for this game with the campaign and (maybe) Spartan Ops.

I tried to play a match the other night and it was so laggy for me that if I sprinted, everything kind of froze up. I was also booted from the same match twice.

I wish there was some service available to provide real high speed internet to rural areas. I would be willing to pay through the nose for it, and I can't be the only one.

[Morris Schæffer]

Well, Gabe Newell confirmed work is underway on the new Source engine. Make of that what you will. :)

[Morris Schæffer]

Very clean screens, but I doubt Xbox 360 and PS3 version will look quite as sharp. That said, these screens look a bit too clinical, bereft of detail.

http://media.gamer.nl/site/dump/20121112092110-rsg_gtav_screenshot_029.jpg

http://media.gamer.nl/site/dump/20121112092241-rsg_gtav_screenshot_041.jpg

http://media.gamer.nl/site/dump/20121112092343-rsg_gtav_screenshot_020.jpg

http://media.gamer.nl/site/dump/20121112092721-rsg_gtav_screenshot_030.jpg

http://media.gamer.nl/site/dump/20121112092744-rsg_gtav_screenshot_031.jpg

http://media.gamer.nl/site/dump/20121112104451-gtav_gnl_2012112_07.jpg

http://media.gamer.nl/site/dump/20121112092707-rsg_gtav_screenshot_026.jpg

[Skitch]

Finished God of War. Ares is unreasonably difficult.

[Dukefrukem]

Well, Gabe Newell confirmed work is underway on the new Source engine. Make of that what you will. :)

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: :eek:

This is what happens when I go away for the weekend. I miss shit like this!

[Sven]

Blurgh. Nasty head cold today. Thankfully, Veteran's Day = me not waking up at 5 am for work. Instead: AC3. All day? Maaaaaybe...

[D_Davis]

I started playing Persona 3 Portable last night. I never made it very far on the PS2 version, mainly because I wasn't really into Japanese style games at that time. But right now totally am, and the game is really great. I love how they streamlined the city/school exploration portions.

[megladon8]

I started playing Persona 3 Portable last night. I never made it very far on the PS2 version, mainly because I wasn't really into Japanese style games at that time. But right now totally am, and the game is really great. I love how they streamlined the city/school exploration portions.


Ever played "The World Ends With You"?

A great JRPG, and I'm not a fan of the genre.

[D_Davis]

Ever played "The World Ends With You"?

A great JRPG, and I'm not a fan of the genre.

Never played it. Lost my DS. Looks cool though.

I'm really looking forward to Persona 4 Golden.

The first Persona game is actually the first game I ever bought on the original Playstation.

[Winston*]

Love Persona 3. One of the best examples of conveying themes in a manner specific to video games.

Got a free month of Playstation Plus. Downloading Little Big Planet 2 and Bulletstorm. Never gave it any thought before but this thing is a pretty good deal.

[D_Davis]

Which version of the Persona 3 did you play?


Playstation Plus blows XBL away. You actually get free things, things that are pretty cool. You get more, with fewer ads, a faster UI, and it's the same price.

[Winston*]

Which version of the Persona 3 did you play?


Original PS2 version.

[Ezee E]

What are some other playstation store games to get? All I've played is Journey.

[EyesWideOpen]

Papa & Yo is great. Also if you haven't played Okami before it just released in HD on PSN.

[Winston*]

What are some other playstation store games to get? All I've played is Journey.

Flower

[Scar]

Flower

YES.

[Dukefrukem]

What are some other playstation store games to get? All I've played is Journey.

Bolded my favorite

WipEout HD
Braid
PixelJunk Shooter 1 & 2
Super Meat Boy
Pixeljunk Eden <--highly recommend
Limbo (if you haven't played yet)
Super Stardust HD <--highly recommend
flOw
Fat Princess
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light<--highly recommend
From Dust
Outland
Shatter
Stacking
Trine 1 and 2
Closure
Trash Panic
Joe Danger
Explodemon

[Skitch]

Got a free month of Playstation Plus. Downloading Little Big Planet 2 and Bulletstorm.

I've got a free month as well, but I'm curious...I see them offering free games for Plus users occasionally. If I use the free month, download games, cancel the service after a month, will I still have the games? I would think so, but thought I would ask anyway.

[Winston*]

I've got a free month as well, but I'm curious...I see them offering free games for Plus users occasionally. If I use the free month, download games, cancel the service after a month, will I still have the games? I would think so, but thought I would ask anyway.

Nah, you have to keep the service to keep the free games. Discounted games you can keep.

[Skitch]

Nah, you have to keep the service to keep the free games. Discounted games you can keep.

Dang.

[Dukefrukem]

Playstation+ has other great features that make paying for it worth it. The free games are one thing, but the cloud storage and auto updates are standalone reasons to get it.

[Sycophant]

I prefer playing the PS2 version of P3 (I think it's a lot more satisfying to move my avatar around rather than a cursor), but the PSP version is plenty satisfying. Like Winston says, it's a pretty fantastic use of video games as a story telling medium (in that half-game, half-anime way that actually uses both to enhance the other). The combat is really slick and satisfying.

P4's also really great. I'm sure you'll dig it. When I get back to the States, I'm sure I'll buy a Vita and P4Golden very soon after.

[D_Davis]

I prefer playing the PS2 version of P3 (I think it's a lot more satisfying to move my avatar around rather than a cursor)

This is the reason why I think I'll like the portable version more. It streamlines something that I usually find somewhat tedious in JRPGs. Just a preference thing, and I can see someone liking it better the other way.

[Ezee E]

Anyone try Shank on the X-Box Live Arcade? Great animations for a side scroller, just seems a little easy and boring after the demo. Get any better?

[Morris Schæffer]

CoD: Black Ops 2 reviews are great

http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii/critic-reviews

[D_Davis]

I played P3P for almost 4 hours last night. Great game. One of my favorite things about the portable version....I can hit a button a put the system to sleep at any time. This way, I don't have to play until I reach a save point. It makes playing this kind of game so much more enjoyable because I can do it on my terms.

[Skitch]

Dear Gamestop,

Thanks for mismarking the Prince of Persia HD 3 game collection for PS3 $5.

Sincerely,

Erik

[amberlita]

Why console gaming is dying (http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/09/tech/gaming-gadgets/console-gaming-dead/index.html)

Provocative thought that seems to get regurgitated every few years but I'm not sure he's really substantiated his claim that the industry is declining on anything other than general gestalt in this article. And he fails to pursue in depth the two biggest arguments I would personally have against the gaming industry today: cost and exclusionism. It's very difficult to participate in console game without commiting hours at a time and hundreds of dollars if not more. Angry Birds isn't popular because it's tapped into the social networking scheme. It's popular because it's cheap and casual.

[Ezee E]

Precisely. It's really the arcade coming back with simple, easy to learn games, but not a 800 pound station.

[Dukefrukem]

Why console gaming is dying (http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/09/tech/gaming-gadgets/console-gaming-dead/index.html)

Provocative thought that seems to get regurgitated every few years but I'm not sure he's really substantiated his claim that the industry is declining on anything other than general gestalt in this article. And he fails to pursue in depth the two biggest arguments I would personally have against the gaming industry today: cost and exclusionism. It's very difficult to participate in console game without commiting hours at a time and hundreds of dollars if not more. Angry Birds isn't popular because it's tapped into the social networking scheme. It's popular because it's cheap and casual.

What an awful, awful, article.

Edit: Heh, and the first comment: "Dumb title for a pathetic article. "

[shaun]

Played about 3 hours worth of Halo 4. It's been about 4 years since I played a console FPS though and I'm looking forward to going back to the welcoming arms of my keyboard and mouse with Black Ops 2.

[Ezee E]

Anyone get the smart glass app? I'm controlling Xbox with my iPhone. Kinda cool as I am posting this on my tv

[Dukefrukem]

Black Ops 2 reviews

IGN (93/100): "Combined with the host of subtle and overt improvements to the array of other systems, the additions to make it more appealing to Esports, and the more fleshed out Zombies mode, this is not just a fantastic Call of Duty game, but one of the best shooters of the last decade."

G4 (90/100): "A ton of work has gone into this game from top to bottom, and it stands as a real testament to the developers who didn't want to just coattail this one into the books. Nearly every system and aspect of the game has been tweaked or overhauled, and it certainly shows in the final product."

EGM (90/100): "The first Black Ops put Treyarch on par with Infinity Ward; with Black Ops 2, they surpass them. This is the most impressed I've been with Call of Duty since the first Modern Warfare; aside from some problems with the Strike Force missions, this is a shining moment for the franchise."

Game Informer (85/100): "For shooter fans that don't require as deep of a dive, Black Ops 2's multiplayer may feel like more of the same. No significant new match types are present, and the Pick 10 system doesn't drastically change the gameplay experience. Most of the changes to the Call of Duty formula come in campaign mode, and they are executed with mixed results. Despite some frustrations, Black Ops 2 is yet another massive, polished, finely tuned entry in a series that shows no signs of slowing down."

GameSpot (80/100): "The campaign hits the same satisfying rhythms, the multiplayer captures the same frenetic intensity, and the cooperative zombies mode delivers the same stale undead-massacring action. Caught between striving for the future and remaining rooted in the past, Black Ops 2 finds solid footing, providing another great ride on the Call of Duty rollercoaster."

[D_Davis]

I can't stop thinking about Persona 3. I wish I had my Vita with me....

[Dukefrukem]

I can't stop thinking about Persona 3. I wish I had my Vita with me....

Why don't you? Isn't that kinda the point. ;-)

[D_Davis]

Why don't you? Isn't that kinda the point. ;-)

I like being away from games and technology for parts of the day. I view my bus ride and lunchtime as reading time.

What I'm liking about the Vita is just curling up on the couch and playing it while a TV show is on.

[Morris Schæffer]

Played about 3 hours worth of Halo 4. It's been about 4 years since I played a console FPS though and I'm looking forward to going back to the welcoming arms of my keyboard and mouse with Black Ops 2.

I'm the other other way around. I recall playing only PC shooters for a long while and then tried to play TimeSplitters 2. God that was weird. Now I'm only into console gaming and I love how elegant and comfortable a gamepad feels into my hands and how sitting on the couch beats sitting at as desk with my hands streched out in front of me and wondering what action to map to what button. :)

@Duke: I cannot freakin' wait to play Black Ops 2, but first I need to complete Assassin's Creed 2. I'm pretty disciplined that way. I wish I had more time.

[megladon8]

So I've actually been able to make my way into some "Halo 4" online matches which has been great. It's still as awesome as ever, and I can't wait to get into the Specializations - it's kind of a brilliant idea.

But yeah, I had an experience on my last match that I'd love to share.

I spawn on Red Team (actually the first time I've played as Red so I was like "woo-hoo! I can kill me some blue-ies now!"). I am immediately killed by a guy on a Ghost.

I spawn and am killed by the same guy.

I spawn and am killed by the same guy, still on the Ghost.

He is spawn-camping our team on the only vehicle on the map. Kinda douchey, but whatever, I'll figure out a way to dispatch him (not to brag, but I'm not too shabby with Halo games).

I changed my loadout and when I spawned immediately sprayed 8 shots right into his face and killed him.

No more than 10 seconds later I am booted from the game (he was apparently the host) and then another minute or so after that I receive a message from him that says (left his spelling in tact):

"go fcuk urself fuckin kliljoy muthrfucker dis is MY gaem bitch fuck you"


Man, I love gamers. Good peeps.

[KK2.0]

Anyone try Shank on the X-Box Live Arcade? Great animations for a side scroller, just seems a little easy and boring after the demo. Get any better?

the same developers made a Ninja game with stealth elements that looked way more interesting, for my tastes at least.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/07/mark-of-the-ninja-review

i hope it gets a PSN release some day

[Scar]

That's going to grace my signature for a wee bit.

I rarely play multiplayer. Last time I played Demons Soul's, I got invaded by the same guy three times, killed him three times, and then got hate mail from him.

[Skitch]

Exactly why I don't play online. I can deal with being the shittiest player in a match, but I can't deal with the jerks. What pleasure is there to be had in "spawn-camping"? Upping your stats? Incredibly lame.

[bac0n]

I've had mixed results playing online. A couple of times, playing Left 4 Dead, I got put up with 3 other guys who were so hilarious that I could hardly play I was laughing so hard. They were all screaming like women on the final assault in the NotLD style house, and once someone decided to throw a molotov cocktail when we were all holed up in a closet (burning us all to death), everybody started screaming, it was total chaos, god i'm cracking up now just thinking about it.

And then there was the time I was playing COD4 i think it was online, and there was a guy online with a spanish accent who couldn't seem to stop saying "your dick. in my mouth. your dick. in my mouth".

[Ezee E]

Love L4D for the fact that it's all teamwork.

The others, I don't use the mics for, so it doesn't bother me.

FIFA Online makes it into the best video game ever.

[Dukefrukem]

Vzue74y7A84

[Morris Schæffer]

Incredible stuff Duke! The set pieces look great. I counted stuff from Under Siege 2 (freight train crash on bridge), Bad Boys 2 (Lorry dropping its cars).

If possible, I might play this without radar and just get to know the city.

edit: The mind boggles at what new hardware will do with GTA.
edit: Trucks with lorries this time!!! :)

[megladon8]

OK a complaint I have with "Halo 4"...

I think it was a poor choice to have key elements of the story only accessible through the secret terminals that unlock videos on Halo Waypoint.

This kind of stuff is really cool when the videos just add a little something to the story, little secret nooks and crannies that just add a little depth.

But in "Halo 4"'s case, they are key plot points and make the plot of the game completely incomprehensible without seeing them.

So that they need to be found and unlocked, and then can only be viewed by leaving the game to go to Waypoint, was a really odd choice that I hope they ixnay on the next entry.

[Dukefrukem]

Incredible stuff Duke! The set pieces look great. I counted stuff from Under Siege 2 (freight train crash on bridge), Bad Boys 2 (Lorry dropping its cars).

If possible, I might play this without radar and just get to know the city.

edit: The mind boggles at what new hardware will do with GTA.
edit: Trucks with lorries this time!!! :)

Hehe. Yeh, but like I said before, I'm afraid it will be 150 hours worth of content. GTAIV alone was around 60, not doing all the stupid extra shit they want you to do like finding all the pigeons.

[megladon8]

Man oh man, "Halo 4" on Legendary is an astounding challenge.

I do think this could be the most difficult game in the franchise.

[Morris Schæffer]

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood is pretty amazing in scope and detail. Walking along the highest ridges of the Colosseum while seeing shadows, caused by sun-clouds interplay, sweep over the ground, is pretty damn cool. Chasing, and then discovering, strange markings on buildings never fails to give me goosebumps even if the ensuing puzzles are incredibly obscure and thus tough to solve. Enemies have gotten a lot tougher, really chasing you down wherever you go. Which is exhilarating.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I'm playing video games for the first time in a good long while.

Playing through Illusion of Gaia for SNES. Pretty fun Zelda-style action-adventure, especially in how it draws on actual history in addition to its fantasy edge. So these kid heroes use magical powers and fight lizard men, but they also swing by the Nazca lines. It's a little superficial; it lacks the more open-ended qualities of Zelda, where outside of dungeons, you're free to do what you like. Instead, you zip from one small town to another with surprising linearity. Even so, these kinds of games are about as close as I can get to RPG's.

Also playing through Goldeneye Wii. I originally set the game aside after an hour or so because my nostalgia kept frustrating me to the new style. I'm past that now, and the game's a fantastic FPS. The best part is that its controller options are through the roof. Got a GCN controller? Go nuts. Got a classic? Go nuts. If you use the Wiimote, you can rework everything. Bounding box, turning speed, everything. And while the graphics are notably less than what you'd get on the 'box or 'station (hip abbreves, right?), they stretch the Wii to its limits and look real purdy.

[Morris Schæffer]

Man oh man, "Halo 4" on Legendary is an astounding challenge.

I do think this could be the most difficult game in the franchise.

But is that setting fun for you?

[megladon8]

But is that setting fun for you?


Absolutely. Some places can be snap-my-controller-in-half frustrating, but I always know I'll get it, I just need to find the right strategy.

[Dukefrukem]

Both Prototype and Prototype 2 for PC, $9.99 on Amazon

[D_Davis]

Playing through Illusion of Gaia for SNES.

Great game.

Did you ever play Alundra on the PS1, or Landstalker or Beyond Oasis on the Genesis?

[Morris Schæffer]

Absolutely. Some places can be snap-my-controller-in-half frustrating, but I always know I'll get it, I just need to find the right strategy.

I'll probably start right there. :lol:

[D_Davis]

Anyone picking up a Wii U this weekend?

[bac0n]

Anyone picking up a Wii U this weekend?

It's coming out this weekend?

:crazy:

[Dukefrukem]

It's coming out this weekend?


Yes.

And No I'm not picking one up. I think I'm done with Mario in my life.

[D_Davis]

It's coming out this weekend?

:crazy:

Yeah. Nintendo usually launches systems and games on Sundays.

[D_Davis]

I'm interested in ZombieU, and the new Monster Hunter game when it gets released.

Not sure yet if I'll the system, but I"m thinking about it.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I've watched just about every WiiU video and I just can't get interested. I can't see any appeal in staring at my controller instead of my TV, even for segments of a game.

[Dukefrukem]

I've watched just about every WiiU video and I just can't get interested. I can't see any appeal in staring at my controller instead of my TV, even for segments of a game.

Yup. I can also feel myself grow older. In the past, I'd die to go out and get a new system on launch day. Now I look at my bank account and think; "Am I really going to spend $360 to play one game?". I'm done buying game systems anywhere near launch. There's plenty on my plate that will hold me over until the first price drop.

Damn I sound old.

I guess we'll see what happens on Sunday.

[Winston*]

Yup. I can also feel myself grow older. In the past, I'd die to go out and get a new system on launch day. Now I look at my bank account and think; "Am I really going to spend $360 to play one game?".

You are going to spend $400 on a TV so you can put it beside another TV.

[Dukefrukem]

You are going to spend $400 on a TV so you can put it beside another TV.

Yeh but it's football. ;)

But seriously, I have people over my house every Sunday to watch 7 hours of games. We are always going back and forth between Red Zone and CBS. A temp TV on the fireplace mantle would be the perfect solution.

Edit: It's all about priorities right? 7 hours of use a day for 17 weeks a year versus a fourth console system for 1 game at launch for pretty much the exact same price.

[D_Davis]

I like asymmetric game design, so I'm hoping there are some interesting things done with it on the Wii U.

And with Capcom supporting it with Monster Hunter, that pretty much means it will be the 3rd party system of choice in Japan, because the system with the best MH game is the system that every single person buys and plays. And it's also getting the new DragonQuest game - the other only game Japanese gamers play. ;)

So they could really clean up with quality 3rd party games, something the original Wii lacked.

I probably won't be getting one on Sunday, but I am interested in picking one up when Monster Hunter comes out. But we'll see.

Since playing the Souls games, I've fallen back in love with Japanese games, one of the reasons why I ended up getting the Vita was to play all those great Atlus/JRPGs that were released for the PSP.

[Lucky]

Monster Hunter 3 was tedious as all hell. I love the concept, though. Final Fantasy 12's main subquest was a monster hunter-like concept that would have been awesome if the gameplay was more active.

[Lasse]

So they could really clean up with quality 3rd party games, something the original Wii lacked.

Good point. Apart from the obvious Marios and Zeldas, the system was all about fun mini games. Not something that would sustain my interest for more than a few weeks.

The new roster looks better, but there's no way I'm replacing my PS3 with a WiiU.

[EyesWideOpen]

Anyone picking up a Wii U this weekend?

I have mine preordered and I'll be picking it up on sunday with ZombiU and New Super Mario Bros U. I have all sunday and monday off so I'll post thoughts.

[D_Davis]

I have mine preordered and I'll be picking it up on sunday with ZombiU and New Super Mario Bros U. I have all sunday and monday off so I'll post thoughts.

Awesome. I'm really curious about ZombiU. I like the sound of it, and it sounds like they've implemented some really neat things like looking at the small screen for your back pack, and the fact that your dead corpse becomes a zombie in someone else's game.

[Sycophant]

Two of the only games I care about as future releases are going to be Wii-U exclusives, Platinum Games's Bayonetta 2 and The Wonderful 101. So once I get back to the States, I'll probably pick one up.

[Morris Schæffer]

Anyone picking up a Wii U this weekend?

Not yet. The launch software is pitiful, but some gems are bound to pop up. And I already bought Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid Prime Trilogy so I'm sure I'll get one eventually.

[Morris Schæffer]

If anyone was doubting whether 2013 will see the release of a Call of Duty game, the doubting can stop.

http://www.siliconera.com/2012/11/14/call-of-duty-2013-details-leaked-continues-modern-warfare-arc/

[Morris Schæffer]

http://artshumanities.blogs.ie.edu/files/2012/05/blog16.jpg


60 years today

[Dukefrukem]

So despite lagging a year behind the launch of the 360, the PS3 has now tied Microsoft in units sold WW. (70 million)

[EyesWideOpen]

So despite lagging a year behind the launch of the 360, the PS3 has now tied Microsoft in units sold WW. (70 million)

To keep that stat in perspective though 360 is pretty strictly a US and Europe platform. It has almost zero foothold in any Asian territory. Asian gamers still for the most part reject US game systems.

The 360 is still almost double sales wide of the PS3 in the US. And continues every month for the last two years to sell more then the PS3 and the Wii combined in the US.

[Irish]

If anyone was doubting whether 2013 will see the release of a Call of Duty game, the doubting can stop.

http://www.siliconera.com/2012/11/14/call-of-duty-2013-details-leaked-continues-modern-warfare-arc/

The last one made $500 million in its first 24 hours. Each release has made more money than the one before it.

Activision will be shitting out CoD sequels until the sun goes supernova.

[Dukefrukem]

To keep that stat in perspective though 360 is pretty strictly a US and Europe platform. It has almost zero foothold in any Asian territory. Asian gamers still for the most part reject US game systems.

The 360 is still almost double sales wide of the PS3 in the US. And continues every month for the last two years to sell more then the PS3 and the Wii combined in the US.

What's there to keep in perspective? The PS3 caught up to the 360 in overall sales. Who cares how you break it down by region?

[EyesWideOpen]

What's there to keep in perspective? The PS3 caught up to the 360 in overall sales. Who cares how you break it down by region?

As someone who is not a fanboy I already posted why it needs to be kept in perspective. Comparing Microsoft sales worldwide with either Nintendo or Sony is not going to be a fair comparison because the majority of the video game buying world doesn't play Microsoft games.

[Dukefrukem]

As someone who is not a fanboy I already posted why it needs to be kept in perspective. Comparing Microsoft sales worldwide with either Nintendo or Sony is not going to be a fair comparison because the majority of the video game buying world doesn't play Microsoft games.

How is that Sony's problem that Microsoft sucks at marketing their product overseas? In the past we didn't compare regional sales of the PS2 and Xbox. It was; who sold more? The Wii has sold 92 million units. No region break down there.

[Morris Schæffer]

Well, at least according to early reviews, Nintendoland and New Mario Bros are very strong launch games for the WiiU.

[Skitch]

To keep the perspective fair, you also wouldve had to buy three 360s since launch day to get close to having what the PS3 has. /bittergen1owner

[Irish]

To keep the perspective fair, you also wouldve had to buy three 360s since launch day to get close to having what the PS3 has. /bittergen1owner
More like 6-8 given the RROD. ;)

Sony arguably caught up awhile ago in the biggest way that matters: the money. They didn't flush a billion dollars down the toilet due to shitty engineering.

[Dukefrukem]

More like 6-8 given the RROD. ;)

Sony arguably caught up awhile ago in the biggest way that matters: the money. They didn't flush a billion dollars down the toilet due to shitty engineering.

My cousin went through 7 because of the RRoD. There's definitely reports out there that claim Microsoft counted each new 360 that replaced a damaged one as a unit sold.

The evidence supports that. XBL only has 40 million members while PSN has over 90 million. Where are the other 30 million members??

[shaun]

My 360 and PS3 are both launch consoles that still work and have never been repaired. They're huge and sound like harrier jets but I'll take it over having bought 3 versions of the same console.

[Dukefrukem]

My 360 and PS3 are both launch consoles that still work and have never been repaired. They're huge and sound like harrier jets but I'll take it over having bought 3 versions of the same console.

How often do you (or did you) play them? Just curious. The original Xbox also had that crazy drive issue that scratched up discs.

[Irish]

@shaun You're lucky. I never rolled the dice. Loved the original Xbox (and still have it). Wanted to buy 360 about a year or so after launch. Researched it & got completely turned off the entire platform.

@Duke Great point.

[D_Davis]

My launch 360 is still going; it's been repaired (RROD) twice.

However, I haven't touched it much since getting my PS3 last year. The PS3 is my system of choice now for a few simple reasons: it's quieter, the UI is cleaner, the dash isn't cluttered with adds, online is free, and there are actually incentives to pay for Plus.

[Skitch]

My 360 went through four RROD's. Two with previous owners, two with me. I still have the gen1...no wireless, no HDMI (Microsoft: "It's unnecessary."), no blu-ray (Microsoft: "HD-DVD is the future."), shitty d-pad...sure, things have all been improved (sans blu), but I would have had to buy new 360 several times...each time they added one of these things. I personally know friends that have rebought every time a new model has come out. :/

[shaun]

How often do you (or did you) play them? Just curious. The original Xbox also had that crazy drive issue that scratched up discs.Good point. Not a whole lot. The 360 had been shelved until Halo 4 came out. The PS3 gets a reasonable amount of play and use as a media connector though. I'm certainly not a heavy user.

[Kurosawa Fan]

My PS3 just crapped out on me a couple months ago. Where's the best spot to get it repaired? Sending it to Sony? Or is there a cheaper alternative?

[Dukefrukem]

My PS3 just crapped out on me a couple months ago. Where's the best spot to get it repaired? Sending it to Sony? Or is there a cheaper alternative?

Yup. Sony. I think it's $110 which includes shipping.

[bac0n]

I gave up on my Xbox after then second RRoD and they wanted me to pay 150 to replace it. By then I was playing mostly on the PS3 anyway, so whatever.

[Winston*]

Was playing some Little Big Planet 2 online and had some dude call us losers. This seems an odd attittude to have when you are controlling a cute little man made of sackcloth in a world made of twee.

[Winston*]

Bulletstorm is fun!

[Dead & Messed Up]

I'm almost never an early adopter, so I'mma wait on the Wii-U, although I agree with D that the ZombiU game looks intriguing. And while I imagine the gameplay would get repetitive, Aliens: Colonial Marines probably has it so that the TV has your vision and the gamepad has your little radar, which would make me crap my pants thoroughly late at night. Bip...bip...bip...that can't be, that's inside the room...

EDIT:

And whoever thought up the idea of an escort mission needs to die slowly and painfully, hopefully while trying to protect inept AI from walking straight into gunfire. That Goldeneye game has an insufferable one at the end that has a wave of enemies and a room-consuming fireball slowly advancing. Took me over twenty tries. There is nothing fun about gameplay that hinges on luck instead of acquired skill. Hair was pulled.

[megladon8]

I don't get why everyone here is having to pay for console service.

Maybe the customer service is better in Canada or something?

I had my 360 RROD three times. Twice the console was repaired and the third time they gave me a new one, and I never paid a cent.

I filled out the service request electronically, and within 48 hours I received a box and packing material via FedEx to send my console in (on Microsoft's dime) for the repair/replacement, and then it was sent back to me (again, free of charge).

I now have one of the black slim consoles and have not had any problem with it in 2+ years.

All this "pay $100 for a repair" sounds like a total rip off to me, at least based on my experience.

[Kurosawa Fan]

My PS3 is three years old. It's no longer under warranty. To be fair, we used it a ton. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Blu Ray player, video games (with two kids playing as well as myself). When I get it repaired, I already have a separate Blu Ray player now to alleviate a lot of the use.

[megladon8]

My PS3 is three years old. It's no longer under warranty. To be fair, we used it a ton. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Blu Ray player, video games (with two kids playing as well as myself). When I get it repaired, I already have a separate Blu Ray player now to alleviate a lot of the use.


My 360 wasn't under warranty, either. The way they explained it on the phone the first time, as long as none of the stickers around the case of the console (the ones that must be pealed off to open the console up, an action which voids all warranty and service) they would service it. They didn't seem to indicate any real timeline or expiry date on their offer to service the system.

I dunno, maybe things have changed since the last time it happened?

Like I said, it happened to me 3 times, but they all occurred within an 18 month period. I bought the console in 2006 and it all happened between 2008 and 2009.

[Winston*]

I don't get why everyone here is having to pay for console service.

Maybe the customer service is better in Canada or something?

Socialised medicine.

[megladon8]

I can't believe I spelled "cent" (the money kind) with an "s".

I'm tired.

[Skitch]

I never paid to have my 360 fixed either, but being without it for a month each time sucked.

[Skitch]

Bulletstorm is fun!

Please go on! Been thinking about picking that up since its so cheap (about $8).

[EyesWideOpen]

Been going through my XBLA collection for something to play since I don't have anything until Sunday. I tried to get into Mark of the Ninja but just can't. I bought it based on all the reviews and while it's definitely a well made game I just have no interest in stealth games and this is doing nothing to change that. I then switched to Banjo-Tooie which I actually never played and I made it about two hours before I stopped. I much prefer Banjo-Kazooie. So I moved onto Puzzle Quest 2 which is a game I put a couple hours into when it came out but I was kind of burned out with the formula at that time and I never went back. I got sucked right in and ended up playing about 5 hours of it yesterday. I'm having a lot of fun with it.

[D_Davis]

Being able to buy full games, quickly, on the PS Vita via the PSN is a dangerous thing! Last night at 10 I purchased Monster Hunter Freedom Unlimited. I can see myself getting completely lost in these games. I think I'll definitely be buying a WiiU when MH4 comes out.

[Sven]

So I moved onto Puzzle Quest 2 which is a game I put a couple hours into when it came out but I was kind of burned out with the formula at that time and I never went back. I got sucked right in and ended up playing about 5 hours of it yesterday. I'm having a lot of fun with it.

It's embarrassing how many hours I lost to the first one. The pacing on the second one is just too slow for my liking.

[Dukefrukem]

You're making me want to buy a Vita

[D_Davis]

You're making me want to buy a Vita

I love mine. Although it could be that I was just really jonesing for a new console. One of my favorite things about buying a new console is all the new games, and since I skipped the PSP there are 100's of games already available. It's fun to discover new things.

Also, the Vita is really slick. It's a neat device. The UI is fast, you can get in and of games with a press of a button and a swipe of a finger, and it has a ton of cool features. It feels good in my hands and I like the tech (I got the wifi version, not the 3G).

I'm really happy with my purchase, and I haven't been into mobile gaming in a very long time - probably since the GBA. I had some fun with the DS, but it never grabbed me, and the 3DS does nothing for me - the 3D hurts my eyes.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I had a PSP, but sold it. Didn't care for the graphics, a few big games were jittery, and it locked up on me twice and lost a lot of progress in gameplay. I wouldn't buy a Vita now, only because I'm not away from home often enough, but if I were considering it I'd thoroughly read through the reviews of those who have owned one for a long time to see if they were having the same problems I was with the PSP.

[Winston*]

Please go on! Been thinking about picking that up since its so cheap (about $8).
Get Playstation + and its free.

I find its unabashed video-gaminess to be refreshing for a contemporary FPS. Its not going for atmosphere or cinematism. The dynamic where you get points for the way you kill enemies is a great way of keeping it entertaining to play rather just have it be cover and shoot. Killing a dude in a new way its pretty satisfying. I'm a psychopath.

[D_Davis]

That's it - I'm signing up for PS+ today. I'll also get some free games for the Vita.

[D_Davis]

Alright alien scum, prepare to die.

/picked up XCOM

[Scar]

Alright alien scum, prepare to die.

/picked up XCOM

Have fun. Try not to break a controller when you get flanked.

[D_Davis]

Have fun. Try not to break a controller when you get flanked.

Do you like the game, or does it get too difficult to enjoy?

[Scar]

Do you like the game, or does it get too difficult to enjoy?

Yes.

[D_Davis]

3rd mission, first restart. :)

I can't lose Garcia that fast, especially after such a stupid mistake.

[Scar]

3rd mission, first restart. :)

I can't lose Garcia that fast, especially after such a stupid mistake.

Just wait....

[Spun Lepton]

Dunno if anybody saw my Match-Cut equivalent of a rage quit for Batman: Arkham Asylum, Advanced mode earlier today. I deleted it after a bit.

After more frustration, I've finally got the fighting system down and have been kicking ass. Heh.

[Dukefrukem]

Dunno if anybody saw my Match-Cut equivalent of a rage quit for Batman: Arkham Asylum, Advanced mode earlier today. I deleted it after a bit.

After more frustration, I've finally got the fighting system down and have been kicking ass. Heh.

I know the feeling.

[Scar]

Dunno if anybody saw my Match-Cut equivalent of a rage quit for Batman: Arkham Asylum, Advanced mode earlier today. I deleted it after a bit.

After more frustration, I've finally got the fighting system down and have been kicking ass. Heh.

Nothin' wrong with the occasional rage quit.

[Winston*]

The Scott Pilgrim game is a good time playing coop. Difficult though.

[megladon8]

"X-COM" is going to be the next game I buy.

I LOVED the demo. The idea of perma-death for your soldiers (and all choices being irreversible) sounds maddening and utterly engaging.

Looks like a game that encourages multiple playthroughs.

And I love the design. The "Thin Men" are creepy as hell.

[Scar]

"X-COM" is going to be the next game I buy.

I LOVED the demo. The idea of perma-death for your soldiers (and all choices being irreversible) sounds maddening and utterly engaging.

Looks like a game that encourages multiple playthroughs.

And I love the design. The "Thin Men" are creepy as hell.

In regards to the Thin Men....

They're the second weakest enemy in the game.

[D_Davis]

Every decision in XCOM carries weight.

Great game.

[Scar]

Yes. Do not get eager. Rarely Dash, unless you have a couple 'Dash n Gun' shotgun toting motherfuckers.

[Morris Schæffer]

Two things:

1. Hitman: Absolution is close to release, first reviews are very positive. I've never played a Hitman game before so I'll be picking this up eventually.

2. Next-gen hardware rumours are once more being tossed around, this time courtesy of publications Xbox World and PSM3.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/379069/xbox-720-xbw-uses-penultimate-issue-to-tell-you-everything-we-know/

http://m.neogaf.com/showthread.php?t=500106

My two cents: I'm really hoping point 7 in that neogaf link is incorrect.

[Dukefrukem]

Two things:

1. Hitman: Absolution is close to release, first reviews are very positive. I've never played a Hitman game before so I'll be picking this up eventually.

2. Next-gen hardware rumours are once more being tossed around, this time courtesy of publications Xbox World and PSM3.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/379069/xbox-720-xbw-uses-penultimate-issue-to-tell-you-everything-we-know/

http://m.neogaf.com/showthread.php?t=500106

My two cents: I'm really hoping point 7 in that neogaf link is incorrect.

I know you're referring to the 7th statement about backwards compatibility, but the 7th point I hope is 100% correct: " The standard resolution of the PS4 should be at 1080p and 60 fps."

[bac0n]

So, after not having the PS3 hooked up since June, I got it fired up last weekend, and was in the mood for some Skyrim, so popped in the disk, loaded my last autosave, and discovered to my disappointment that since the last time I played, a new patch had been released, and now the game freezes up every time I travel for more than 5 minutes, rendering it unplayable.

Now, back in March, I bought SSX, but didn't give it much play, enraptured as I was with Skyrim at the time. Thinking now's a good time to give that game another try.

Also, thinking of picking up Borderlands 2 maybe on Cyber Monday when it has a good chance of being cheap. Anybody else on the PS3 playing this game?

[Scar]

I had briefly thought about revisitng Skyrim, guess I won't.

I've heard a lot of good things about BL2. However, I wasn't a fan of the first, with all the grinding, and almost having to play multiplayer to beat bosses.

[Dukefrukem]

Playing Skyrim on console must be the most miserable experience known to man. (in gaming)

BL2 is tenfold better than the first game. I loved it. And I hated the first game.

[megladon8]

Playing Skyrim on console must be the most miserable experience known to man. (in gaming)


Nah. PS3 support for the game sucks.

No problems at all with 360.

[D_Davis]

Nah. PS3 support for the game sucks.

No problems at all with 360.

Yeah - Bethesda just sucks at the PS3. Too bad for them.

[Morris Schæffer]

I know you're referring to the 7th statement about backwards compatibility, but the 7th point I hope is 100% correct: " The standard resolution of the PS4 should be at 1080p and 60 fps."

Me too!! 1080p standard would be sweet already, but I'm not sure how 60fps will be enforced. Is it simply a matter of locking down the framerate and then working around that? That said, even with 720p the resolution wasn't always native. Some games had 576p upscaled I believe.

[bac0n]

I had briefly thought about revisitng Skyrim, guess I won't.

I've heard a lot of good things about BL2. However, I wasn't a fan of the first, with all the grinding, and almost having to play multiplayer to beat bosses.

That was my beef with the original as well, but multiple people I've asked have said that BL2 is worlds better in that regard.

[megladon8]

Yeah - Bethesda just sucks at the PS3. Too bad for them.


A lot of companies do, it seems.

I remember looking at a side-by-side comparison of "Batman: Arkham Asylum", 360 vs PS3, and the 360 was leaps and bounds ahead. It was staggering how much texture was missing in the PS3 version.

[bac0n]

A lot of companies do, it seems.

I remember looking at a side-by-side comparison of "Batman: Arkham Asylum", 360 vs PS3, and the 360 was leaps and bounds ahead. It was staggering how much texture was missing in the PS3 version.

Bethesda, tho, takes it a step further. The PS3 versions of their games are essentially broken.

[Scar]

Bethesda, tho, takes it a step further. The PS3 versions of their games are essentially broken.

I lost count of how many hard resets I've had to do w/ the Fallout series.

[D_Davis]

It's too bad. The PS3 is basically this gen's Sega Saturn - a powerful beast but hard to utilize for developers. A lot of the problem stems from developers using the 360 as the base, and then porting the code over to the PS3. Technically, the PS3 blows the 360 away, but it's hampered when the 360 is the base console, and the architecture is different enough on both that this causes problems. Developers like the 360 so much because it's pretty much just a PC, so it's something they're used to. The PS3 is very different.


In other news, GODDAMN XCOM. FUCK. I just lost 4 countries - totally panicked.

[Scar]

In other news, GODDAMN XCOM. FUCK. I just lost 4 countries - totally panicked.

Its a motherfucker, isn't it? Did you get spanked on an alien attack?

[Spun Lepton]

This XCOM game. I've never heard of it. After watching a review, I'm intrigued.

[D_Davis]

Its a motherfucker, isn't it? Did you get spanked on an alien attack?


It's basically that for every step forward I take the world seems to be taking about 4 steps back! I'm not really sure how "good" I'm supposed to be doing.

[EyesWideOpen]

Just played through about an hour and a half of New Super Mario Bros WiiU. I never played the first one but this was fantastic. Plays just like old school 2D Mario. Basically while playing (single player) the controller screen is showing exactly what's going on the tv screen. So you can use either screen to play it (if someone else is using the tv). I would just switch off between levels to get a feel for the controller screen and it looks great. No lag. The controller feels really good in your hand.

Now on to tryout the rest of the games I got (Nintendoland, ZombiU and Scribblenauts Unlimited).

[D_Davis]

Nice! Glad to hear it. Really curious about ZombiU.

[EyesWideOpen]

Nintendo Land is awesome! 100 times more fun and involved then Wii Sports was. The Pikmin world is making me pine for Pikmin 3 even more.

[D_Davis]

XCOM might have just pissed me off for good. Four of my soldiers missed four shots in a row, each having a 98% chance to hit. I love difficult games (cough, Souls, cough), but when the difficulty is dictated by random dice rolls it doesn't make it fun. Going to try again but if that exact thing happens again, I'm done.

[D_Davis]

I need to remember to approach XCOM as I would a board game; it's OK to lose, and I'm going to lose a lot.

[Scar]

XCOM might have just pissed me off for good. Four of my soldiers missed four shots in a row, each having a 98% chance to hit. I love difficult games (cough, Souls, cough), but when the difficulty is dictated by random dice rolls it doesn't make it fun. Going to try again but if that exact thing happens again, I'm done.

I flip shit when my awesome snipers miss a 95% shot. I love this game, but shit like that makes me wonder....

Actually, I think I get even more pissed when my shotgun/advanced shotgun guys miss 95% shots.

[Morris Schæffer]

Nintendo Land is awesome! 100 times more fun and involved then Wii Sports was. The Pikmin world is making me pine for Pikmin 3 even more.

So all of these games are 1080p full HD resolution?

[[ETM]]

XCOM might have just pissed me off for good. Four of my soldiers missed four shots in a row, each having a 98% chance to hit. I love difficult games (cough, Souls, cough), but when the difficulty is dictated by random dice rolls it doesn't make it fun. Going to try again but if that exact thing happens again, I'm done.

Ah, the old "Spearman vs. Tank" thing.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/images/smilies/spearvstank.gif

[EyesWideOpen]

So all of these games are 1080p full HD resolution?

Yep.

And since I've only been positive so far I thought I'd throw in some nitpicks.

There is no option to turn off the controller screen. For games like Nintendoland where you are using the screen often obviously you wouldn't want to turn it off but for like New Super Mario Bros U the screen is only used in multiplayer and just used as a mirror image of what you're playing in single player so it'd be smart to have an option to turn it off to save battery life.

They way over complicated the secondary controller situation. There is a Wii menu on the home screen which lets you play Wii (the original Wii) games and all the Virtual Console games. To even go into this menu you have to use a original Wii-mote or original Wii Classic Controller. You can't use the WiiU Gamepad or the new Xbox 360 styled Pro Controller (which is perfect for Virtual Console games).

[D_Davis]

I flip shit when my awesome snipers miss a 95% shot. I love this game, but shit like that makes me wonder....

Actually, I think I get even more pissed when my shotgun/advanced shotgun guys miss 95% shots.

I never use snipers in games, and up until now I've actively avoided sniper-classes.

However, they are God-tier in XCOM. Two snipers, w/ Squadsight and elevation bonus will completely dominate a map. Love them to death.

I haven't really utilized the shotgun/assault guy - I've only been given two, and my first one died early. I mainly rely on 2 snipers, 2 heavies, and 2 support.

[Dukefrukem]

Hitman: Absolution Reviews

IGN (90/100): "Like Dishonored before it, it's actually a true pleasure to play a game that lets you tackle it from multiple angles. After several years of increasingly totalitarian games where you're very much following a pre-determined path, it's nice to have a game that doesn't just encourage improvisation; it requires it."

Polygon (85/100): "Hitman: Absolution is a faster, more streamlined game than its predecessors, but that only makes it different, not bad. The dark humor has been toned down, but still peeks through. The same anti-hero menace and professional purpose remains. And more importantly, the core purpose and gameplay that's always driven the Hitman series is still there. It's not as cerebral as Hitman: Blood Money."

Eurogamer (70/100): "Reloading some of its best levels, turning off the hints and watching and waiting, it's much easier to remember what it is that makes Agent 47 so special. Hitman is a series to treasure for those moments, even if Absolution isn't its finest hour. Hopefully it won't be another six years before IO Interactive gets another shot at showing us why."

Edge (70/100): "Contracts redeems Absolution, but it doesn't absolve it. The game has taken a unique formula and diluted it, allowing the fashionable trappings of other stealth titles to intrude upon a series that has always confidently eschewed convention."

Videogamer (50/100): "Occasionally you'll witness flashes of brilliance, glimpses that suggest IO could yet salvage something from this wreckage for its next Hitman game. And then you finish a stage with a tedious quick-time event, snapping the neck of a morbidly obese Danny Trejo-alike in a wrestling match watched by hundreds - astonishingly earning yourself a Silent Assassin rating in the process - and you shake your head sadly and wonder how it all went so badly wrong."

[Idioteque Stalker]

However, they are God-tier in XCOM. Two snipers, w/ Squadsight and elevation bonus will completely dominate a map. Love them to death.

I haven't really utilized the shotgun/assault guy - I've only been given two, and my first one died early. I mainly rely on 2 snipers, 2 heavies, and 2 support.

Just wait until you get one to Colonel. Double Tap makes snipers the most dangerous unit in the game.

I use assault not as a front-line unit, but rather for tactical strikes that sneak in from the back and one-shot enemies. They're the reason those energy guys in the UFOs hardly ever get a shot off.

[EyesWideOpen]

Played about a hour and a half of ZombiU and I'm relived it's pretty good. It reminds me alot of Condemned for the 360 which was itself a launch game. It's a little rough around the edges but really fun to play. The controls are a little sluggish but better then the majority of survival horror games I've played. When I saw permadeath on the back of the box I was a little worried but basically the way it works is you have a safehouse where you store stuff, save, etc. If you die out in the "field" you just start as a new character in your safehouse without any of the items you had with you. But you don't like start the game over you still are on the same mission and you can go find the old you and kill them and get your stuff back if you want. The mission structure is kind of like Bioshock where you have someone in your ear telling you where to go.

The screen works like a charm. It's basic use is a map and as your backpack where you use items, loot and drop stuff. But you can also use it as a radar to detect enemies and use it as a scanner so you can scan the environment and see what lootable containers are empty/full or find items.

My favorite thing which makes it better then Condemned is no weapon damage! I hate in most games where your weapons are constantly breaking.

[Lasse]

I'm not a huge gamer, but I enjoy the occasional game. And so, after playing the great games Journey and Limbo, I'm now downloading the Rayman Origins demo. I hope it's just as fun as the first Rayman games was.

Also can't wait for Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams to be released on PSN next year.

[Dukefrukem]

Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals for Amazon

Highlighted digital PC sales:

1. Medal Of Honor Warfighter - $29.99 - 11/23-11/26
2. Need for Speed Most Wanted - $19.99 - 11/23 and 11/26
3. Battlefield 3 Premium Edition - $29.99 - 11/23 and 11/26
4. Sleeping Dogs - $19.99 11/23-11/26
5. Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition - $14.99 - 11/23
6. Pint Sized Paradox Package - $5.99 - 11/23-11/25
7. Plentiful Paradox Package - $9.99 - 11/23-11/25
8. Payday: The Heist 4 Pack - $14.99 - 11/18-11/26
9. Kingdoms of Amalur + both DLCs - $11.99 - 11/26
10. M E 1 + ME 2 + Dragon Age Origins: Ultimate + Dragon Age 2 - $14.99 - 11/23
11. Syndicate - $4.99 - 11/26
12. WB Combat Bundle - $9.99 - 11/23-11/26 contains:

Batman Arkham Asylum GOTY
Mortal Kombat Collection
Lord of the Rings War in the North

13. Batman Arkham Action Pack - $9.99 11/23-11/23 contains:

Batman Arkham Asylum GOTY
Batman Arkham City

14. F.E.A.R. Collection - $8.99 - 11/24-11/25 contains:

Fear Ultimate Shooter Edition
Fear 2
Fear 3

15. The Harry Batman Pack - $13.99 - 11/26 contains:

Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4
Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7
Lego Batman 2: DC Heroes

16. Inversion - $7.49 - 11/26

Starting 11/18-11/25:

Sega Genesis Classics Collection (All Sega Classics Series) - $4.99

Sega Action Only Pack - $19.99 Contains:

1. Alien vs. Predator
2. Binary Domain
3. Condemned: Criminal Origins
4. Hell Yeah
5. Viking: Battle for Asgard

Sega Arcade Collection - $14.99 contains:

1. Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg
2. Jet Set Radio
3. Renegade Ops
4. Renegade Ops Coldstrike Campaign
5. Virtua Tennis 4

Dreamcast Pack - $4.99 contains:

1. Crazy Taxi
2. Jet Set Radio
3. SEGA Bass Fishing
4. Sonic Adventure DX
5. Space Channel 5 Part 2

Take Two Black Friday digital deals on Amazon:

XCOM ENEMY UNKNOWN
$37.49 (-25%)

NBA BASKETBALL 2K13
$22.49 (-25%)

BORDERLANDS 2
$29.99 (-50%)

Civilization V Complete Pack (GOTY plus Gods and Kings)
$19.99 (-75%)

Civilization V Cradle of Civilization Americas
$0.75 (-75%)

Civilization V Cradle of Civilization Asia
$0.75 (-75%)

Civilization V Cradle of Civilization Mediterranean
$0.75 (-75%)

Civilization V Cradle of Civilization Mesopotamia
$0.75 (-75%)

Civilization V Explorers Map Pack DLC
$1.25 (-75%)

Civilization V GOTY
$12.50 (-75%)

Civilization V: Civilization and Scenario Pack: Korea
$1.25 (-75%)

Civilization V: Korea and Ancient World Combo Pack
$1.87 (-75%)

Civilization V: Wonders of the Ancient World Scenario Pack
$1.25 (-75%)

Sid Meier's Civilization V Babylon Nebuchadnezzar II DLC
$1.25 (-75%)

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization
$5.00 (-75%)

Sid Meiers Civilization IV: The Complete Edition - Steam version
$7.50 (-75%)

Sid Meiers Civilization IV: The Complete Edition bundle
$7.50 (-75%)

Sid Meier's Civilization V
$7.50 (-75%)

Civ V Gods and Kings
$20.09 (-33%)

Bioshock
$5.00 (-75%)

Bioshock - Steam Version
$5.00 (-75%)

Bioshock 2
$5.00 (-75%)

Bioshock 2 - Steam Version
$5.00 (-75%)

Bioshock Dual Pack
$4.99 (-88%)

Bioshock Dual Pack - Steam
$4.99 (-88%)

Max Payne 3 Complete Bundle – Contains MP3+Season Pass
$19.99

MAX PAYNE 3
$30.00

MAX PAYNE 3 SEASON PASS
$15.00

GTA IV
$5.00

GTA IV COMPLETE EDITION (IV+EP PACK)
$7.50

GTA - SAN ANDREAS
$3.75

LA NOIRE
$5.00

LA NOIRE COMPLETE
$7.50

LA NOIRE DLC - SEASON PASS
$3.00

GTA IV CE, LAN CE, GTA SAN ANDREAS BUNDLE
$14.99

[Morris Schæffer]

Also can't wait for Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams to be released on PSN next year.

Yes! It's great apparently.

[megladon8]

So I know the WiiU has 1080p graphics, but in terms of it's hardware, does anyone know anything about what's under the hood?

Could it compete with the 360/PS3 with graphical muscle? Is it at least in the same ballpark now, as opposed to the Wii which looked outdated on day 1?

[D_Davis]

So I know the WiiU has 1080p graphics, but in terms of it's hardware, does anyone know anything about what's under the hood?

Could it compete with the 360/PS3 with graphical muscle? Is it at least in the same ballpark now, as opposed to the Wii which looked outdated on day 1?

Spec-wise, it's more powerful than the 360 and PS3.

[megladon8]

Spec-wise, it's more powerful than the 360 and PS3.


So why is it that the launch titles all have such ho-hum graphical presentations?

Is it just that? They're launch titles, the first time companies have worked with the system, and so we just can't expect too much?

I just would have thought that Nintendo would want to absolutely blow peoples' faces off with incredible graphics right out of the gate.

[Dukefrukem]

Spec-wise, it's more powerful than the 360 and PS3.

Which is irrelevant because it is not noticeably better than the PlayStation 3 or the Xbox 360... it's just finally caught up to them.

[megladon8]

I don't think that's "irrelevant", but OK.

If it CAN be better than the 360 and PS3, then I think they should start pumping out stuff that IS.

[Dukefrukem]

I don't think that's "irrelevant", but OK.

If it CAN be better than the 360 and PS3, then I think they should start pumping out stuff that IS.

It will never be better than the 360/PS3. The developer support is not there.

[megladon8]

It will never be better than the 360/PS3. The developer support is not there.


It's been out for 2 days. That's a pretty big statement to make.

It very well could get the support if it manages to sell well, and I have read comments from a few of the companies who developed the launch titles that it was a great piece of hardware to work with.

You never know with this stuff.

[D_Davis]

It's been out for 2 days. That's a pretty big statement to make.


LOL! I know, right.

Anyhow, I say give it some time.

[megladon8]

Just reading all of the potential with the TVii, the interaction between the controller and the system and TV, and the hardware - it makes me want to pick one up.

I may very well do that after Christmas when parents have stopped slitting each others' throats to get one.

[Dukefrukem]

It's been out for 2 days. That's a pretty big statement to make.


No it's not. Based on all public knowledge of current game development, the support for Wii U is very weak. I'm not just talking about game announcements. But developers and studios speaking about working on the Wii U. Ubisoft already came out and said they were not planning on investing a lot of R&D development in the Wii U compared to the PS3 and 360.

[Ezee E]

Picked up Madden for $25. Nice.

[megladon8]

No it's not. Based on all public knowledge of current game development, the support for Wii U is very weak. I'm not just talking about game announcements. But developers and studios speaking about working on the Wii U. Ubisoft already came out and said they were not planning on investing a lot of R&D development in the Wii U compared to the PS3 and 360.


2 days.

[D_Davis]

I want a WiiU for that new Platinum Game's game - The Wonderful 100 - or whatever it is called. The one that's Viewtiful Joe meets Pikmin.

[megladon8]

I want a WiiU for that new Platinum Game's game - The Wonderful 100 - or whatever it is called. The one that's Viewtiful Joe meets Pikmin.


"Rayman Legends" looks sublime, too. Didn't you like "Origins"?

"Legends" looks even prettier.

[Dukefrukem]

2 days.

And no future support. It will be dead in the water after the first year.

[megladon8]

And no future support. It will be dead in the water after the first year.


Things change. If the system does well we could very well see companies changing their minds and wanting to develop for the system.

[Dukefrukem]

Things change. If the system does well we could very well see companies changing their minds and wanting to develop for the system.

Yes, but with no current plans, there's literally no hope. You have the world's 3rd largest 3rd party developer saying they are not investing a lot of money in the Wii U. What message does that send? You'll be getting lots of crummy ports. I'm actually surprised ZombieU is being so well received.

[D_Davis]

You have the world's 3rd largest 3rd party developer saying they are not investing a lot of money in the Wii U. What message does that send? .

Less Ubisoft shovelware.

Fewer terrible Ubisoft games = me more interested.

That's like complaining that Gameloft isn't supporting your mobile phone.

[megladon8]

Yes, but with no current plans, there's literally no hope. You have the world's 3rd largest 3rd party developer saying they are not investing a lot of money in the Wii U. What message does that send? You'll be getting lots of crummy ports. I'm actually surprised ZombieU is being so well received.


There's not "literally no hope", I really don't get where you get this from. Back in the mid-90s people were saying similar things about the Playstation, how it didn't have enough 3rd party support and it was too radical (with most game systems still being cartridge based at that point).

Like 99% of gaming magazines even said that they expected with the 3DO or the Jaguar to reign supreme.

Look how that turned out.

You're writing this entire system of way too early. It's been out for two days, it has a small handful of games and TONS being released in the coming months.

Give it a chance to prove itself.

[Dukefrukem]

Less Ubisoft shovelware.

Fewer terrible Ubisoft games = me more interested.

That's like complaining that Gameloft isn't supporting your mobile phone.

Umm no. They're probably the number 2 innovator in the gaming industry.
My guess, you'll never see this title on the WiiU

xU7WGAJPRRw

[Dukefrukem]

There's not "literally no hope", I really don't get where you get this from. Back in the mid-90s people were saying similar things about the Playstation, how it didn't have enough 3rd party support and it was too radical (with most game systems still being cartridge based at that point).

Like 99% of gaming magazines even said that they expected with the 3DO or the Jaguar to reign supreme.

Look how that turned out.

You're writing this entire system of way too early. It's been out for two days, it has a small handful of games and TONS being released in the coming months.

Give it a chance to prove itself.

:lol: You just made that up right? Back in 1993 the PSX was the most talked about thing in the electronics industry. They were talking about 3D gaming and unlimited possibilities with that tech.

[megladon8]

:lol: You just made that up right? Back in 1993 the PSX was the most talked about thing in the electronics industry.


Yeah it was talked about, but many expected it to fail, particularly with how the Jaguar and 3DO were being marketed.

[D_Davis]

Duke - I'll bet $25 dollars right now that Watch Dogs comes out on the Wii U.

Additionally, it will be the better of the console version because of the second screen functionality (but this is not part of the bet).

Just quote this to agree to the bet! :)

[Dukefrukem]

It's fine you guys are excited for the WiiU. But you're not gonna see tech developed to the point of Uncharted 3 or Watch Dogs above, on the WiiU.

[Dukefrukem]

Duke - I'll bet $25 dollars right now that Watch Dogs comes out on the Wii U.

Additionally, it will be the better of the console version because of the second screen functionality (but this is not part of the bet).

Just quote this to agree to the bet! :)

It won't be on the WiiU at launch. If it comes out a year later with some campy WiiU control, that' doesnt count.

[D_Davis]

I'm not even super excited about the Wii U - but I'm going to give it a chance to grow before I make up my mind.

[megladon8]

It won't be on the WiiU at launch. If it comes out a year later with some campy WiiU control, that' doesnt count.


:lol:

Duke, it really is a pointless endeavor to talk about anything video game related with you.

I still remember when you accused people here of trolling you when we thought the "Halo 4" trailer was cool and liked the changes to Master Chief's suit.

The glorious PC gaming master race must prevail!

[D_Davis]

It won't be on the WiiU at launch. If it comes out a year later with some campy WiiU control, that' doesnt count.

That's not the bet. You said it probably wouldn't be on the Wii U. I think it will be. Don't back peddle. Own your predictions like a man!

[megladon8]

I'm not even super excited about the Wii U - but I'm going to give it a chance to grow before I make up my mind.


NOPE. TWO DAYS IS ENOUGH. UBISOFT DOESN'T WANT TO POUR MILLIONS INTO IT SO IT SUCKS.

LALALALALALA I CAN'T HEAR WHAT YOU'RE SAYING! IT SUCKS!!

[Dukefrukem]

No seriously. If it comes out a year later than the PS3 and 360 that just proves my point that Ubisoft put all of their resources into the first two consoles, and focused on the WiiU after the fact. After they made their bread. If the WiiU was truly on a strong focus for them, it will be a launch title. Do you not agree??

[D_Davis]

If there are good games on the Wii U that I like, I'll get one. Simple as that. Hell, I'll probably get one just so I can play the two Wii games that I own because I don't have a Wii.

[D_Davis]

No seriously. If it comes out a year later than the PS3 and 360 that just proves my point that Ubisoft put all of their resources into the first two consoles, and focused on the WiiU after the fact. After they made their bread. If the WiiU was truly on a strong focus for them, it will be a launch title. Do you not agree??

:lol:

Never mind dude. :)

[megladon8]

No seriously. If it comes out a year later than the PS3 and 360 that just proves my point that Ubisoft put all of their resources into the first two consoles, and focused on the WiiU after the fact. After they made their bread. If the WiiU was truly on a strong focus for them, it will be a launch title. Do you not agree??


You said that it wouldn't be on the WiiU. When D_Davis took you up on that, you added this "...but if it comes out later it still doesn't count!"

You just can't deal with being wrong about something game related.

[D_Davis]

Anyhow, those of you who played Persona 4: is the ramen a portal to the meat dimension?

[Dukefrukem]

You said that it wouldn't be on the WiiU. When D_Davis took you up on that, you added this "...but if it comes out later it still doesn't count!"

You just can't deal with being wrong about something game related.

Im' sorry I forgot to put "it wouldn't be on the WiiU at launch" which is the entire backbone of my argument. The WiiU is an afterthought for Ubi. No support. No R&D.

[Stay Puft]

So I know the WiiU has 1080p graphics, but in terms of it's hardware, does anyone know anything about what's under the hood?

Could it compete with the 360/PS3 with graphical muscle? Is it at least in the same ballpark now, as opposed to the Wii which looked outdated on day 1?

This was never directly addressed, but no, apparently it can't compete with the 360/PS3. Of course, it's still too early to tell about a few things, but we know that many of the launch title ports are poor (lots of performance issues with Mass Effect 3, Ninja Gaiden 3) and some early tech teardowns like on AnandTech reveal that the system's memory is actually pretty slow, like half the speed of the 360/PS3 (apparently UE3 has trouble with the system in general because of this). Supposedly the CPU is pretty average, too (standard three core PowerPC chip) and the GPU is still an unknown quantity.

Like I said, it's too early to say in general, but an early look under the hood makes it look like typical conservative Nintendo hardware practice; just like with the Wii, they save a dollar here and there wherever they can, opting for cheap hardware solutions to keep costs at a minimum (like, only now in 2012 is Nintendo finally releasing a console that supports digital audio, albeit only through HDMI).

[megladon8]

Hmmm, interesting.

So, Stay Puft, where are the claims coming from, then, that it is more powerful than the 360/PS3? Is it Nintendo doctoring statistics? Is it more powerful in some ways and inferior in others?

[D_Davis]

Interesting, because all of the reports and podcasts I've heard say that it is, on paper, more powerful.

But then again, what does more powerful mean?

[EyesWideOpen]

The fact that there is two pages of discussion on the power of the WiiU saddens me. I don't play Nintendo games for cutting edge graphics. I also don't own Nintendo systems to play ports of games that are out on other systems. I'm also sad that people keep having discussions with Duke about gaming when he's shown to be one of those fanboys who can't accept any differing opinions.

[D_Davis]

When it comes to technological things, I think discussing the technical merits of those things is valid. So long as don't devolve to Gamefaqs-level system wars crap.

I am genuinely curious about the technical aspects of gaming systems in general, and about the Wii U specifically, mainly because I think the lack of power in the Wii held it back from having a lot of games that I personally enjoy more.

Other people loved it, and that's totally cool.

[Watashi]

I just started playing Assassin's Creed because I want to play part 3.

I dunno... two assassinations in and I'm kinda bored. I still have no idea what the game is about story-wise. Is the first game considered the weakest in the series?

[Sven]

Is the first game considered the weakest in the series?

Almost unanimously. I stopped after a few hours because of boredom. Second one does a ton to alleviate the feeling of redundancies, but the third one is the best in nearly every way.

Important thing to note, though: I have no idea, nor do I care really, what the story is all about.

[Neclord]

I feel like I played one hour of Assassin's Creed, then it had me repeat that hour around 15 times. I'm still interested in the other games somehow. Running was fun.

[megladon8]

The fact that there is two pages of discussion on the power of the WiiU saddens me. I don't play Nintendo games for cutting edge graphics. I also don't own Nintendo systems to play ports of games that are out on other systems. I'm also sad that people keep having discussions with Duke about gaming when he's shown to be one of those fanboys who can't accept any differing opinions.


Nintendo not having good graphics is a pretty new phenomenon, though.

N64 had sub-par audio due to its being midi rather than digital, but the graphics were great.

GameCube had great looking games as well, much better than the PS2. And while its game collection on the whole did not beat the XBox for graphical capability, it had a select few titles that certainly rivaled Microsoft's system (the "Metroid Prime" games, "RE4" and "Eternal Darkness" to name a few).

It's just with the Wii that the company has taken a seriously noticeable nosedive in this department.

[EyesWideOpen]

Nintendo not having good graphics is a pretty new phenomenon, though.

N64 had sub-par audio due to its being midi rather than digital, but the graphics were great.

GameCube had great looking games as well, much better than the PS2. And while its game collection on the whole did not beat the XBox for graphical capability, it had a select few titles that certainly rivaled Microsoft's system (the "Metroid Prime" games, "RE4" and "Eternal Darkness" to name a few).

It's just with the Wii that the company has taken a seriously noticeable nosedive in this department.

Nintendo has never not had good graphics. The Wii wasn't in HD but the graphics were fantastic on games like Super Mario Galaxy & Xenoblade.