The Official "Console War" and Video Game Thread

[TheDeviot]

Nope you can get the Wireless Xbox360 controller in a Red clamshell packed version for Windows. comes with a usb adapter.

I bought the regular wired 360 controller. If you have XP you can download the free driver, if you have Vista it's plug, and play.

It works awesome. I use my pad for racing games. KB % M for anything else though.

[DamageCity]

I finally started playing the PSP Castlevania Dracula X Chronicles yesterday, and so far the remake is pretty sweet, and VERY hard. Purists will be sad, however, that all the VO in Symphony of the Night is re-recorded, and mostly re-written.....

No biggie for me, as I still have my PS1 disc, as well as the Xbox LIVE version, which has all the original stuff in it......

I always get a kick about how everyone would complain about the terrible VA in SOTN, then when they try and re-do it, they call sacrilege.

[Dynamo of Eternia]

For anyone who read my previous post about my PS3 situation and cares to hear what happened, here is my follow up....


I received the Sony credit card today that I signed up for. I activated it and registered it with Sony Rewards.

However, after that I wasn't quite sure what to do to get the $100 rebate deal to work (i.e. what exactly are my limitations on where I can buy the machine, do I need a rebate form, where do I get it, etc).

In the mix of doing the formentioned things, I called a Sony Rewards number (which was given to me by the guy I talked to when activating the card), and asked the girl who answered about the offer, and she didn't know what I was talking about at first, and even after she looked into it and found out it was a legit deal, she still didn't seem to know what she was talking about, so that wasn't reassuring.

I ended up calling the number on the Sony Style website for ordering over the phone. Finally got through to someone, and he was helpful. I asked about the deal, and he knew exactly what I was talking about. He said that I would have to order the system online or over the phone to get the offer (apparenty it won't work in store, even a Sony store), but he said they have free 2-Day shipping and I should have the system by Saturday, so I went ahead and ordered it over the phone.

I am getting the 80GB system, since they didn't have the 60GB. The reduced compatibility stinks, but at least there's some there. If it works with the Kingdom Hearts games, I'll be happy. I still have a PS2 and don't plan on getting rid of it, but it will be nice to play old games upscaled where possible. I mainly want the system for Blu-Ray anyway.






After placing that order, I really thought about how I should have looked into my Amazon return and waited for that to be credited back before placing this order (though it was kind of late at that point).

But, I decided to call up Amazon and check on things.

I knew that the package got there this past Monday morning, as I checked the UPS tracking on it.

Just a refresher, I ordered a refurb 60GB unit from an Amazon subsidiary, and it died the first day of use while I was watching TMNT on Blu-Ray, and the disc was stuck in the machine when I returned it (I also paid for UPS return shipping, being told I would be reimbursed).


The lady that I spoke to looked at my order, and said that earlier today someone entered a refund for the order to my credit card that I used for it. Though, apparently only for the order itself, there was no mention of the return shipping or any kind of compensation for my disc.

So, over the course of questioning the whole thing, being put on hold, etc., this is what happened... She said that she couldn't refund my credit card for these things, but she could put a promo credit on my Amazon account, which would discount the amount from a future order. So, she was able to do this for both the amount of my shipping and for the price of a new copy of TMNT on Blu-Ray from Amazon (luckily I had originally bought that disc from Amazon, and she was able to see it in my order history).

This worked out for me since I was planning on buying Rush Hour 3 on DVD this weekend from a physical store, but instead I just went online after getting off the phone with her and placed an Amazon order for it as well as a new TMNT Blu-Ray, and the whole thing only cost me about $4 more than what the credit was for. I set it for the free shipping, which will take longer, but at least it won't add to the cost and all will basically even out in the end.

Now if my brand new PS3 direct from Sony works fine with no problem, then I can rest easy.

[markatisu]

If the Sony shipped PS3 is broken you were never meant to have one !

Remember to get the 2.10 firmware as that allows Blu Ray 1.1

[Skullface]

I always get a kick about how everyone would complain about the terrible VA in SOTN, then when they try and re-do it, they call sacrilege.

Yeah, it's always about complaining when it first gets released, but after it's been ingrained to people after 10+ years, it becomes a "so-bad-it's-classically-endearing" moment. Same thing for me with the original Resident Evil:

"Here's a lock pick. It might come in handy if YOU the master of unlocking need it."

"Thanks, I'll take this then..."

Bad VO at its "finest"



And don't even get me started on the English dubbing of most JRPGs......

[ChemicalChemical]

Yeah, it's always about complaining when it first gets released, but after it's been ingrained to people after 10+ years, it becomes a "so-bad-it's-classically-endearing" moment. Same thing for me with the original Resident Evil:

"Here's a lock pick. It might come in handy if YOU the master of unlocking need it."

"Thanks, I'll take this then..."

Bad VO at its "finest"



And don't even get me started on the English dubbing of most JRPGs......

"DIE... MONSTER!"

If the voice-acting isn't going to be great they might as well make it terrible.

[Dynamo of Eternia]

If the Sony shipped PS3 is broken you were never meant to have one !

Remember to get the 2.10 firmware as that allows Blu Ray 1.1

Yeah, I don't know what to do if this one doesn't work. I mean, it can't get any more direct from the source than this short of buying it wholesale.

[ehenyo]

pigs are flying and so is the new Duke Nukem Forever trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUN7mHUtzno

[markatisu]

pigs are flying and so is the new Duke Nukem Forever trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUN7mHUtzno

You guys should read the short press release/interview with the creators. Its quite interesting that they basically finished the game but it all ran on old hardware that is irrelevant I guess and so they created a new engine and redid all the work again

[ehenyo]

You guys should read the short press release/interview with the creators. Its quite interesting that they basically finished the game but it all ran on old hardware that is irrelevant I guess and so they created a new engine and redid all the work again

That'd be great! What's the link??

[markatisu]

That'd be great! What's the link??

Here you go http://blog.shacknews.com/blogarticle.x/50481

Its an interview with 3D Realms Co-Owner George Broussard

Here is one of the parts of interest

It's basically a restart as the tech changed and we've been on this version of the game since 2004 or so," Broussard said today. "The released media up to this point are not longer relevant other than for curiosity purposes."

[ehenyo]

Sweet! I wonder what kind of jokes Duke will crack about Gordon (Half-Life), Sam (Serious Sam), and Master Chief (Halo) --- you know, like he did with Doom. ("Hmm, that's one 'Doomed' Space Marine.")

[markatisu]

Anyone who is thinking of getting Nights for Wii should read this thread , Page 9 or so is where the opinions start to change.

It is a scene that is being repeated on quite a few gaming boards (Gamefaqs, etc)

People initially hate the game and then by the end are in love with it, its really interesting to read because I have never seen SOOOOO many peoples opinions change literally over night from negative to positive before. Normally if a game is bad, its labeled as crap and not touched again but it seems that the reviews were right.

Once you get past the changes and new additions you will see that Sega clearly made a beautiful game whose only faults are a bit of rushed release and new ideas that were not executed correctly/not needed (voice acting, storylines, platforming levels)

I am hoping to get this for Christmas so next week I will be able to give my thoughts.

[krosfyah]

Anyone who is thinking of getting Nights for Wii should read this thread , Page 9 or so is where the opinions start to change.

It is a scene that is being repeated on quite a few gaming boards (Gamefaqs, etc)

People initially hate the game and then by the end are in love with it, its really interesting to read because I have never seen SOOOOO many peoples opinions change literally over night from negative to positive before. Normally if a game is bad, its labeled as crap and not touched again but it seems that the reviews were right.

Once you get past the changes and new additions you will see that Sega clearly made a beautiful game whose only faults are a bit of rushed release and new ideas that were not executed correctly/not needed (voice acting, storylines, platforming levels)

I am hoping to get this for Christmas so next week I will be able to give my thoughts.

funny sounds a lot like the original nights. people calling it average at best but if you gave it time and worked on it you got some much more out of it and found a LOT of depth. it's why it became a classic.

[PanMan]

Is anybody playing MoH multiplayer on Wii? I've really enjoyed it so far. I've gotten to the point where most of the time I break even in kills/deaths or am slightly above par. I'm currently about -250 overall, so I have some work to do to get back to 0 . Who else is playing somewhat regularly and what are your usernames (I'm PanMan of course).

I play Capture the Flag (Village) the most. I wish there were more CTF stages (Sewers doesn't do it for me).

[markatisu]

Is anybody playing MoH multiplayer on Wii? I've really enjoyed it so far. I've gotten to the point where most of the time I break even in kills/deaths or am slightly above par. I'm currently about -250 overall, so I have some work to do to get back to 0 . Who else is playing somewhat regularly and what are your usernames (I'm PanMan of course).

I play Capture the Flag (Village) the most. I wish there were more CTF stages (Sewers doesn't do it for me).

I am markatisu, what times do you play? I love Mohh2 online

[Skullface]

Merry Christmas from Nintendo! A nice day on the VC!

WII-KLY UPDATE: THREE NEW CLASSIC GAMES ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

If you hear a rumbling on the roof tonight, don't assume that it's reindeer when there are gorillas on the loose. Yes, this week's merry Wii™ Shop Channel lineup includes a classic adventure title to entertain every reveler in your household, from the nicest to the naughtiest. Plus, you'll find a wicked-cool dose of ice hockey action and a thrilling secret-agent sequel to help keep spirits bright all winter long. You were expecting lumps of coal? Sorry-maybe next year.

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii™ owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

BLADES OF STEEL™ (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Violence, 500 Wii Points): With stick in hand and confidence brimming, you are looking to bring home the cup, win the MVP award, get on the covers of major sports magazines and date a beautiful model (not necessarily in that order). But soon you will learn that, in this league, nothing is ever given to you, and before you can reach your goals, you'll have to put the puck in the net and score some. You'll need both the artful skills of a finesse player and the bone-crushing brutality of an enforcer. Defend your own goal against unrelenting power plays, or put the pressure on your opponent's goalie and try a slap shot of your own. Don't forget to defend yourself when anger flares because the gloves come off and fists start flying. So strap on blades of steel and prepare to either make a name for yourself or be put on ice.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble™ (Super NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Revisit Donkey Kong Island and join the Kong family for their latest adventure. The Kremlings have a mysterious new leader named KAOS and are up to their usual mischief, even capturing Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Now it's up to Dixie Kong and the newest Kong, a giant infant named Kiddy, to rescue the two missing apes. They'll travel across previously unseen parts of the island in their search, and even take to the skies in a rocket at one point. Lucky for them, Dixie and Kiddy's powers complement each other (including Kiddy's talent for rolling like a barrel), so they form a powerful team capable of major Kremling damage. They're not completely on their own, either, since returning favorites like Funky Kong and Enguarde the swordfish provide help along the way. And in a series known for its abundance of secrets and high replay value, this entry doesn't disappoint, with enough hours of game play to satisfy Donkey Kong himself. Anyone else have a sudden urge for some bananas?

Rolling Thunder™ 2 (Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Violence, 800 Wii Points): In this follow-up to the original classic, you are once again a member of Interpol's Rolling Thunder task force, and it's up to you to stop the return of the evil Geldra organization. Now known as Neo-Geldra and led by a newcomer named Gimdo, the bad guys are bent on destroying several valuable outer-space satellites. In this one- or two-player game, you can play as Leila or Albatross-both characters from the original-as you venture through several different levels, trying to put a stop to the nefarious efforts of Gimdo and the rest of Neo-Geldra. Use your bullets wisely and make Rolling Thunder proud.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

Blades of Steel & DKC3 are definite purchases!!!

[markatisu]

Today Target in the US is having mega game sales for anyone interested (till the 29th)

• Mario Galaxy $37
• Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 $37
• Raw vs Smackdown Wii/PS2 2008 $37
• Mario and Sonic Olympics $37
• Call of Duty 4 360/PS3 $37

And Best Buy is having Call of Duty 4 360 and Assasins Creed PS3 for $37

[hemanrep]

Today Target in the US is having mega game sales for anyone interested (till the 29th)

• Mario Galaxy $37
• Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 $37
• Raw vs Smackdown Wii/PS2 2008 $37
• Mario and Sonic Olympics $37
• Call of Duty 4 360/PS3 $37

And Best Buy is having Call of Duty 4 360 and Assasins Creed PS3 for $37

I'll get CoD4 for PS3 if someone here gets it for the PS3...I wanna do some online stuff on the PS3.

I got Assasins Creed for the PS3, but have yet to open it.

[PanMan]

I am markatisu, what times do you play? I love Mohh2 online

I usually play at night before I go to bed (generally anywhere from 9:30 - 11:30pm EST).

[King Hsss]

The circle is now complete owning a 360, PS3, and the WII, which I received on Christmas. I got Assassins Creed for the 360 and RE Umbrella Chronicals for the WII from the kids and both these games kick ass!

[redskyy]

Anyone who is thinking of getting Nights for Wii should read this thread , Page 9 or so is where the opinions start to change.

It is a scene that is being repeated on quite a few gaming boards (Gamefaqs, etc)

People initially hate the game and then by the end are in love with it, its really interesting to read because I have never seen SOOOOO many peoples opinions change literally over night from negative to positive before. Normally if a game is bad, its labeled as crap and not touched again but it seems that the reviews were right.

Once you get past the changes and new additions you will see that Sega clearly made a beautiful game whose only faults are a bit of rushed release and new ideas that were not executed correctly/not needed (voice acting, storylines, platforming levels)

I am hoping to get this for Christmas so next week I will be able to give my thoughts.

This is reassuring to hear. Being a huge fan of the original NiGHTS, it was disappointing to hear all the reviews about JoD. I may have to look into picking this one up. I still occasionally play the game on Sega Saturn with the analog controller.

[TheDeviot]

I got Mario Galaxy for Christmas, and everyone knows it rules, but I also got Ghost Squad for the Wii. It is really fun to play, albeit short. But it's pretty freaking sweet. It probably won't sell a ton, but do yourselves, a favor, be a game snob, and pick it up. I think it's like $25. Cheap!

I also got a XFX 512MB Geforce 8800GT for Christmas (I know I'm so lucky/blessed) And it rocks. Definitely a worthy upgrade for anyone.
I can run my UT3 maxed and get 60fps or medium and get 90fps or more

[markatisu]

I got Mario Galaxy for Christmas, and everyone knows it rules, but I also got Ghost Squad for the Wii. It is really fun to play, albeit short. But it's pretty freaking sweet. It probably won't sell a ton, but do yourselves, a favor, be a game snob, and pick it up. I think it's like $25. Cheap!

I agree, Ghost Squad on the Wii is a supreme blast. It only has 3 levels but the replay value is super deep given the alternate paths and new weapons/outfits.

It is selling very well because Sega already greenlit House of the Dead 2 and 3 with bonus content and extras never seen before for March 08, and there are rumors of the Virtua Cop series making it to the Wii as well.

Last I checked it was selling about 150,000-200,000 copies between the US and Japan which for a 2004 Arcade game virtually nobody got to play an amazing amount

[Dynamo of Eternia]

Well, my 80gig PS3 arrived on Monday. I'm happy to report that I've had no problems so far. I updated the system software, so I am up to date on that. I've watched some movies on it already which have worked great. The only game I have is Motorstorm which came with it, though I am borrowing Transformers from a friend at work.

I still have to test more of my PS2 games in the machine, but so far I tried two of them, one of which worked. I attempted to play Crazy Taxi, but that's the one that didn't work. However, I was happy to find that Marvel VS. Capcom 2 plays very well in the machine (at least for the little bit that I played it). I was very disapointed when the 360 was "updated" to play the Xbox version of MvsC2, only to have it be all glitchy and pretty much unplayable. I really hope both Kingdom Hearts games work in it.

I think this whole emotion engine/emulation issue only effects the PS2 games and not PS1. To the best I can tell, the backwards compatibility with PS1 games on PS3 works the same as using PS1 games on PS2. The reason I came to this conclusion is that I popped Mortal Kombat Trilogy for PS1 into my PS3. When playing this disc on PS2 and beating the game, the game just freezes at the point where you should be able to pick your reward for winning the game, and the same thing happens on PS3. The game works fine on PS1.

The thing that I don't get is why they can't find some way to make these discs work fine and play normally on PS3 while eliminating the loading time. For some reason PS1 games seem to take just as long to load, if not longer, than they did on PS1. You would think with the power of the PS3, they could find some way to get around this.




As for Christmas, I received a few video game items. I got Zelda Phantom Hour Glass for DS and the hardcover limited edition guide book. I also received Ultimate Mortal Kombat for DS, which is essentially just Ultimate MK3 and the Puzzle Kombat mini game from Deception, which oddly enough I've been playing a lot . It's nothing new, but as an MK fan I'm happy with it. I've never had a proper portable version of any of the MK games before, so it's nice to finally have one.

I also got the Wii Zapper with Link's Cross Bow training, though I have yet to play it.

I received a total of $40 in gift cards to Best Buy, which I used today towards the purchase of Nights for Wii, though I alslo have yet to play it.

I also got a $10 Gamestop gift card. I used it towards buying the Blu-Ray remote for PS3. They had a used one, which I was reluctant to get as I was concerned about the condition of it, but the guy at Gamestop said I could buy a new one if I want, but he knew that this one had barely been used. Apparently someone bought a PS3, this remote, and the whole Rock Band set up, but the PS3 malfunctioned and died, and the guy was so annoyed with it that rather than getting the system replaced, he just didn't want to bother with it and traded everything in. So I got the remote, though I had to look up instructions online to sync it with my system since it didn't come with them, but that's all done now and it works fine.




My sister, who is much younger than me (she just turned 12, I will be 28 in a couple of weeks) is currently off of school and she had a Wal-Mart gift card as well as some cash, and I took her shopping with me this morning (I am currently using some vacation time and don't go back to work until Jan 3rd). She kept complaining about how her Wii contollers keep running out of battery power, so I pointed her in the direction of the Nyko Charge Station. She decided to use her gift card towards that. I helped her set it up, and she's really happy with the results. I've been using rechargable AA batteries (I received a charger and batteries last Christmas, just before the Nyko station came out) and I've been using those, though now I am considering getting one of Nyko stations after seeing my sister's. It's just a lot more convenient.

She made out like a bandit game-wise for Christmas. My wife and I got her Guitar Hero III for Wii, and from other family members she got Mario Galaxy, Mario Strikers Charged, and some Naruto game for the Wii, so she's alll set for a while.