The Official "Console War" and Video Game Thread

[markatisu]

Well that's interesting. I would have preferred that the Wii version be cel-shaded and the next gen consoles be of a realistic art style. It'd be a dumb decision to make the Wii version a realistic art style. I'm hoping this is Ubi's "Nintendo-like quality" because what they showed at Ubi days doesn't even come close.

You mean Dogz and Imagine Babiez was not Nintendo quality I love how Ubisoft was JUST complaining last week they are not making as much as others on the Wii (compared to say Capcom or Activision) but then look at what they release, and on top of that the games look almost worse then N64 games

I was listening to IGN's Wii podcast yesterday and Matt said Damon was at a Capcom event...I'm expecting something cool from them. Hopefully an update to Monster Hunter or a new IP. May be a new (real) Mega Man game. If anything just tell me that RE5 or SF4 is coming out this year and I'll be happy.

I think Zack and Wiki 2 might be in there as well, it was part of a leaked list about 2 months ago for the EU and Capcom has neither confirmed or denied and I would think that since the 1st one sold about 300k worldwide which was in line with expectations we might see a sequel which I would be ecstatic about as would my wife and I suspect some others here.

But yes give the Wii a new Mega Man, the system was not made for realistic graphics but it can do VERY well with animated and even CGI fictional characters (like most of the Nintendo characters)....developers and publishers are retarded for missing the boat and trying to push real looking games and wondering why they get panned all the time. There are plenty of IP's that could sell and/or be revived that make use of the systems abilities.

I'm pretty sure SF4 is currently scheduled to hit this holiday season...

As of the last press release this week it said coming to PS3, 360, PC and TBD, so I think you are right that at least one version will come at the end of this year.

Now we know being Capcom that TBD is most likely PSP/PS2/DS/Wii but I would be willing to bet those editions come later since the ones they listed this week are all from the same build and the others would have to be either ported down or done specifically with them in mind.

[Skullface]

Japan gets Super Mario RPG on the VC next month! Hope we in the US don't get screwed and NOT get it......

http://wii.ign.com/articles/877/877906p1.html

IGN UK gives MGS4 a 9.9!

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/877/877611p1.html

[markatisu]

Japan gets Super Mario RPG on the VC next month! Hope we in the US don't get screwed and NOT get it......

Oh we will get it eventually, just how long is the question. I am surprised as this was one I know had issues between Square and Nintendo as to what the payout would be. Good to see it got resolved, maybe we will see more Square titles (one can hope!)

[hemanrep]

Looks like the long-awaited in-game XMB is coming very soon plus some other cool features.

http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2008/5/29-48

A GAF poster from EA also confirms that it's coming!

Now if only I knew more people with a PS3...

[markatisu]

Looks like the long-awaited in-game XMB is coming very soon plus some other cool features.

Thats cool, my bluetooth headset finally died (the PS3 picks it up and pairs it but I can neither hear nor can people hear me) so even if I could see you guys I cant currently talk to you

Gotta hand it to Sony for constantly updating the PS3, a lot of companies (cough Nintendo cough Microsoft cough) seem to do updates only when they have something big to show off where as Sony is doing things like Apple does where we get almost monthly updates

[VaderLives]

MGS3 Snake Eater I swear had a 25 min intro

The cutscene before the final boss battle against Solidus in MGS2 was just shy of 45 minutes. I'm sorry, but as much as I love those games, that's rediculous.

[markatisu]

The cutscene before the final boss battle against Solidus in MGS2 was just shy of 45 minutes. I'm sorry, but as much as I love those games, that's rediculous.

Well thankfully they can let you pause in this one, I cant remember if it was MGS2 or MGS3 where I fell asleep during one cutscene and by the time I woke up I had no idea what was going on!

[D-Day V1]

Now if only I knew more people with a PS3...

I have a PS3, but I primarily use it for the Blu-Ray. My gamertag/PSN ID is nintendork41880

[VaderLives]

Well thankfully they can let you pause in this one, I cant remember if it was MGS2 or MGS3 where I fell asleep during one cutscene and by the time I woke up I had no idea what was going on!

Probably 2 I would guess. While I haven't yet finished 3, I know that in 2 there were two cutscenes that were 30 minutes each, and then as I said the next to last one was 45. I haven't come across any super long ones in 3 yet (i'm at the boss fight with the sniper The End, which I'm assuming is about half way through but i'm not sure).

[Skullface]

Today's WiiWare/VC update:

WiiWare:

Protöthea (UbiSoft, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Protöthea is a top-down scrolling shooter game with free movement that puts players in complete control of a last-generation spaceship. The mission is to destroy the asteroid called Maqno 01 and finish with the plans of The Core. UbiSoft's Protöthea introduces new concepts to a beloved, classic game style while mixing genres and utilizing the full capabilities of the Wii console, from graphics to controls. Players of all ages and experience levels will enjoy taking command of their ship, blasting through four different worlds in 10 challenging missions. Use your weapons arsenal and the special bonus items to help you accomplish your mission, and don't forget to slow down time and take an edge over the enemy.

Toki Tori (Two Tribes, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Toki Tori is his name, and collecting eggs is his game. In this puzzle/platform game, players use a variety of items such as the Telewarp, InstantRock and Slug Sucker. Clever use and combination of these items are needed to solve all the game's levels, of which there are more than 70. Levels range from easy to brain-teasingly hard, resulting in dozens of hours of puzzle play time. Toki Tori makes the most of what Wii has to offer. It uses the Wii Remote for a unique control scheme, which offers players a new and more relaxing play style. A second player can help you out by drawing hints while you are playing. The game even uses the Wii Message Board in a unique way.

Virtual Console:

Ninja Combat (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E 10+ for Everyone 10 and Older-Mild Suggestive Themes, Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1990, Ninja Combat is a side-scrolling combat-action game. Take control of the ninjas Joe (one player) and Hayabusa (two players), and enter into battle against a group of evil ninjas called the Kage Ichizoku. Make your way into their home fortress, Ninja Tower, which dominates a big city of the near future. Fight using normal attacks, jumps, special movements and ninja materials that deliver damaging blows to all enemies on the screen. In addition, you'll find weapons and items to aid you along the way. Even better, as you progress in the game, reliable allies such as Musashi, Kagerow and Gembu will emerge to fight alongside you, allowing you to choose a new character in each stage. Ninja Combat also supports simultaneous play with two players, so you can grab a friend and defeat the Kage Ichizoku together.

[markatisu]

Today's WiiWare/VC update:

Toki Tori is awesome, its up there with Lost Winds in production value and puts to shame a lot of 3rd party full retail games

But the price is too steep for me this week, especially since its 100 points more than when it was released in the EU

For anyone who does not know what the game is, its an update from an old Gameboy Color game

[Skullface]

Itagaki resigns from Tecmo:

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/878/878635p1.html

[markatisu]

Sony adding some interesting features/options via PSN

Sony just announced monthly interactive gaming program "Qore: Presented by the PLAYSTATION Network." HD PS3 gaming program Qore (pronounced "Core") will feature exclusive news, interviews and previews as well as behind-the-scenes look at PS titles — not to mention game demos and betas, "game add-ons" and other downloadable content.

The show kicks off Thursday, June 5th, and the first episode features SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Secret Agent Clank, Soul Calibur 4 and Afro Samurai, plus new Blu-ray trailers, an exclusive SOCOM: Confrontation theme with an invitation to the SOCOM: Confrontation beta.

From Sony's PlayStation.Blog:To get Qore, simply log onto PSN and go to the PLAYSTATION Store, as you would purchase any other form of downloadable content. Once the single Episode or annual subscription is purchased, that month’s episode will be downloaded under the “Game” heading on the Cross Media Bar (XMB). Users who purchase the “Qore Annual Subscription” will notice only that month’s episode is available to download. The following month, the new episode will automatically appear in your download list. The introductory price for Qore is $2.99 for a single episode and $24.99 for an annual subscription of 13 episodes, using your PLAYSTATION Network wallet.

[VaderLives]

So yeah, my fiancee just bought a PS3.

She got Heavenly Sword (which she can have, I've watched her play it and it looks terrible. not to mention the fact that I HATED God of War so I have no intrest in playing basically the same game just with a female protagonist.) and Lego Indiana Jones (which is REALLY fun, but not exactly a showcase for the PS3's capabilities).

I dunno, the system's kinda neat, I guess. But it very much feels like it's just the same old, same old, just with a (literally) shiny new finish. Though it's nice to see that Sony has finally caught up with the Nintendo 64 and can now have 4 players .

But the controller feels extremely cheap. Like, honestly, I've had third party controllers that feel a hell of a lot more sturdy than that does. There's also a bit of a delay sometimes, as far as hitting the button and waiting for the game to register it, which isn't cool.

The only thing that has me really excited is the fact that Symphony of the Night is available for download from the Virtual Cons...er, Playstation Store. Needless to say I'll be getting that as soon as I have the time to set up an account (good lord, typing stuff in is such a chore). Now Nintendo REALLY needs to get off their ass and release Dracula X over here, so that lingering shadow of desire for a PSP can finally be eradicated.

I dunno, all in all it's kinda neat, but nowhere near worth the price point IMO. But it's her money, so what can I say? At least I know I'll definitely be able to play MGS4 and RE5.

[IronAvatar]

A nice little blog post from somebody who was refused developer status from Nintendo. I always wondered about the validity of the whole WiiWare thing given Nintendo's requirements for developer status....

[heman4myson]

it's nice to see that Sony has finally caught up with the Nintendo 64 and can now have 4 players .

Umm The PS2 had four players and the PS3 has seven.

But the controller feels extremely cheap. Like, honestly, I've had third party controllers that feel a hell of a lot more sturdy than that does. There's also a bit of a delay sometimes, as far as hitting the button and waiting for the game to register it, which isn't cool.

The controller feels cheap because you don't have rumble which makes it FEEL alot better. The regular controller is very sturdy though, mine has survied multible trips to the wall. As far as the delay, it has to register with the concole and it takes a second so just relax beau. If you have bought a third party controller then you got robbed most are VERY VERY slow and, some do not even work.

I do not like the reset button on the bottom as I hit it a few times in game and had to re-register it. It is easy to take apart and remove though.

[Skullface]

I hate Wal-Mart employees.

Getting a few groceries there this morning around 6:45am, and lo and behold, they had 1 Wii Fit left. I wasn't planning on getting it just yet, with Ninja Gaiden 2, Lego Indy & MGS4 all hitting, but I figured what the heck. After 10 minutes of standing in front of the lockup case asking literally 6 passing-by employees to help me and all of them saying "I just punched out", I went all around the electronics department to find someone. Sure enough, as soon as someone came out with a set of keys, they were getting the last Wii Fit for some guy who just happened to walk in and be in front of the case at the right time.

When I worked for Target, it didn't matter if I punched out or not, if someone asked me for help, I either helped them directly, or physically took them to someone else who could - you don't just walk away from a customer that needs your help. *sigh* Maybe I just was too good..... Whereas at Best Buy yesterday, I was asked by 4 different employees if I needed help finding anything. (Consequently, they were COMPLETELY sold out of LEGO Indiana Jones for 360)

[VaderLives]

Umm The PS2 had four players and the PS3 has seven.

Umm, no. I'm looking at my fiancee's PS2 and there are only 2 controller slots. Nintendo has had 4 controller slots since the N64, as have both versions of the XBox.

Maybe I should have said it can have four players without having to spend extra money on an adaptor.

The controller feels cheap because you don't have rumble which makes it FEEL alot better. The regular controller is very sturdy though, mine has survied multible trips to the wall. As far as the delay, it has to register with the concole and it takes a second so just relax beau. If you have bought a third party controller then you got robbed most are VERY VERY slow and, some do not even work.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that. The lack of rumble just makes the controller feel dead and lifeless, as well as cheap. Way to step backward, Sony.

And the controller delay is a big deal. With the games that I want to play, even a second's delay can seriously hurt you (and all the delays I've experienced thus far have been in-game). I dunno, maybe it's just me, but after spending $400 on a piece of hardware I would expect it to work accurately. But I guess that's Sony quality for you.

Though I have read about the problems with third party PS3 controllers. Which is why we're only going to get another first party one. I want the dualshock 3, but we'll see.

[markatisu]

Umm, no. I'm looking at my fiancee's PS2 and there are only 2 controller slots. Nintendo has had 4 controller slots since the N64, as have both versions of the XBox.

Maybe I should have said it can have four players without having to spend extra money on an adaptor.

Yes you needed the multi-tap in order to play with more controllers. That part has always sucked

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that. The lack of rumble just makes the controller feel dead and lifeless, as well as cheap. Way to step backward, Sony.

Well Sony thought that rumble was "sooooo last generation", until they realized that it was not and put it back in for the new Dual Shock 3

And the controller delay is a big deal. With the games that I want to play, even a second's delay can seriously hurt you (and all the delays I've experienced thus far have been in-game). I dunno, maybe it's just me, but after spending $400 on a piece of hardware I would expect it to work accurately. But I guess that's Sony quality for you.

The quality of the machine is unquestionable, the quality of the controllers is another issue entirely. I have not seen any lag on my controller, though the logitech controller we got for P2 is VERY touchy

The PS3 is in no way as cheap and crappy as the PS2 in any way, shape or form. They just messed up massively on the controller because Sixaxis I have yet to see work (I think it only ever did on that rubber duck demo they showed) in a game and thankfully they realized the errors and came out with the Dualshock 3.

[VaderLives]

I dunno, maybe it's just Lego Indy. I haven't played anything else yet. But often times it delays hardcore. And that's just rediculous. The Wii uses wireless technology and I have never, ever had that problem. I've never even had that issue with the wireless PS2 controller my fiancee has, or the cheap ol' third party wireless Gamecube controller I have.

I hope it's just the game. Because if it's the controller/system then that is absolutely unacceptable. Not with today's level of technology.

[markatisu]

I dunno, maybe it's just Lego Indy. I haven't played anything else yet. But often times it delays hardcore. And that's just rediculous. The Wii uses wireless technology and I have never, ever had that problem. I've never even had that issue with the wireless PS2 controller my fiancee has, or the cheap ol' third party wireless Gamecube controller I have.

I hope it's just the game. Because if it's the controller/system then that is absolutely unacceptable. Not with today's level of technology.

Well the PS3 and Wii almost the exact same technology for their wireless (Bluetooth)

The PS2 and Gamecube used RF (aka radio) for their wireless

Is there any interference going on that might be causing the delay?

Another RPG was announced for the Wii, Rune Factory is making the jump from the DS to the Wii

This makes the 4th Wii RPG I want (the others being Tales of Symphonia II by Namco, Fragile by Namco, and whatever Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Square has), now if they would just get some more SRPG's out there I will be a very happy person.

[RocketPunch]

Just saw over at GameNewsi.com that Soul Calibur IV will have another Star Wars character in addition to Vader and Yoda; Vader's Secret Apprentice from the upcoming Force Unleashed game.

[markatisu]

I got the God of War PSP for my birthday! Now if I could be assured the 360 was rid of RROD I would not have to worry what platform things come out on.

What games do PSP owners recommend?

[He-Lurker]

I got the God of War PSP for my birthday! Now if I could be assured the 360 was rid of RROD I would not have to worry what platform things come out on.

What games do PSP owners recommend?

I don't have too many games on my PSP, but these are the ones I really like:

Vice City Stories - Pretty much portable GTA: Vice City
Me and My Katamari - If you like Katamari Damacy, then this one is a no-brainer
fl0w - Same as the PS3 version, really fun and relaxing
Patapon - A very unique beat game
Loco Roco - Probably my favorite PSP game!

I also have custom firmware on my PSP (with all the advantages that come with that). Hope that helps!

[Spider-01]

I got the God of War PSP for my birthday! Now if I could be assured the 360 was rid of RROD I would not have to worry what platform things come out on.

What games do PSP owners recommend?

I don't have very many games for my PSP either, but the few I have I really enjoy.

If you're a fan of MGS, then Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is a must. It continues the story right after MGS3. It's a little different since you have to use teams of four, but most of it feels like MGS since you still only control one character at a time. IMO, they also managed to create a control scheme that really works well considering the PSP only has one joystick and no L2 or R2. Killzone: Liberation was also a great game continuing the story that started on the PS2 with the original Killzone. Unlike Killzone, however, Liberation uses a like 3/4 top view that I actually enjoy more than the first person view of the first. A really good action game. The Warriors was a lot of fun, pretty much a direct port of the PS2 version, though. Being a huge fan of the Tony Hawk series, I have to reccommend THUG2 which was a fun game. A few new additions but mostly the same as the PS2 version. Lastly, the first game I ever got for my PSP was Twisted Metal: Head-On which is loads of fun if you've ever liked that series. Not dark like TM: Black, but still has some of that dark humor.

Oh, and I have a question of my own. I have a 60 GB PS3 and think I might eventually need to upgrade it to something bigger. Is that possible?