The Official "Console War" and Video Game Thread

[Southzen]

Anyone picking up Darksiders II?

I wish I was getting it, but I just don't have the time or extra money. I already preordered my list of games that I want to play for the fall and winter:
COD:BLOPS II (yes, I know; yes, I did. I feel so ashamed; that will be my multiplayer guilty pleasure unless HALO 4 turns out to something great.)
Borderlands 2
Assassin's Creed III
Being back in college, I just don't know if I'll even get much time to play those when they are released until this semester is wrapped up.

[Dynamo of Eternia]

How would you rate it in difficulty compared to New Super Mario Bros. Wii? I got it with my Wii Christmas before last, but I never finished world 2 because it got a bit too hard for me...or maybe my skills have just faded....

Well, it's been a good while since I've played the Wii game, so it will be hard for me to make an accurate comparison off of the top of my head. I do remember some aspects of the Wii version being difficult, but I don't think I had too hard of a time with it. If I recall correctly, I 'beat' the game... as in getting through the last level. I don't think I ever quite finished going back and getting all of the special coins, etc. I should do that sometime

I guess I would say this new one is more or less the same, maybe slightly easier. But again, it's hard to say for sure. I know that similar to Super Mario 3D Land, in this version, after you've died several times in the same level, eventually a block appears when you start your next life which gives you this invincible raccoon suit (it's basically like a raccoon suit and invincibility star all in one) that lasts the entire level as long as you don't fall into a pit or anything like that, and it makes it easier to get though. You have the option to just not use it if you don't want to, but it's there if you need it.

[PanMan]

I picked up the 3DS XL on launch day. This is the first portable that I've owned since the original Gameboy, so I can't really say how it compares to other systems. I will say that I do like it a lot. Even the colour has really grown on me (I have the blue one). Initially I was really upset that the white one wasn't available, or that they didn't make a black one, but I really like the blue one now. I picked up Ocarina of Time 3DS and the graphics look really nice. It's certainly not as sharp as an iphone for instance, but it still looks good. I'm also one of those people that really like the larger controllers because they're easier to hold, so I don't think I would have liked the regular 3DS (I tried it in the store a few times and like the XL better). I'm not sure I would buy it if I had the regular 3DS though. Depends if you think it's too small and are annoyed with it, or I guess if you can trade it in for a decent amount of money. Perhaps wait until the stores have a floor model to decide?

Also, I didn't pick up Darksiders II but I did get the first one! I played the demo on Xbox and loved how similar it was to Zelda so I picked up the game for 20 bucks. I only just started playing it so no opinions yet, but it certainly has potential. I figure I'll get around to Darksiders II once it gets a price drop too

[TheDeviot]

Just preordered WWE 13. First year since the last SvR game Yuke's seems to have made strides worthy of a pickup. They've revamped the physics, added a whole 90's attitude era chunk of content, a roster that actually feels really current, and while it sounds boring my favorite new thing is they've FINALLY done something about having small guys able to body slam Big Show.

[Skullface]

Just saw on IGN that a MOTU iOS game is coming this fall!

[TheDeviot]

Just saw on IGN that a MOTU iOS game is coming this fall!

I know. I'm so jelly.

In other news though, Black Forest Games (The remnants of Spellbound/Timewarp) are putting out a second
sequel to Great Giana Sisters on Steam
tomorrow! (The first sequel was on the DS )
After a successful Kickstarter project to get the funding to finish it, it's hitting Steam
tomorrow then GOG.com, and a few others. If it is a huge seller they may port the game to Android, XBLA, PSN, and WiiWare!




- - - Updated - - -

Took a few Giana Sisters screens:

[Epicasino]

Did anyone get the Wii U at launch?

[markatisu]

Did anyone get the Wii U at launch?

I ordered a Deluxe one from Gamestop, it will be here Monday

[Dynamo of Eternia]

I'll be getting mine when Best Buy opens in the morning. Unfortunately they did not do a midnight launched. I preordered mine for in-store pick up.

[dorrmann]

I drove about thirty miles to a small-town Walmart and got there about 11:00. I couldn't find the line. I checked up front, I checked in back...nothing. I finally tracked down an electronic employee and asked. They only had one deluxe and two regular that weren't on hold, and there wasn't a line. About ten minutes later, another guy showed up for a white one. I guess the gamble paid off.

I haven't even opened the box yet, as it's past my bed time. Tomorrow will be a fun day.

[Shredder]

I drove about thirty miles to a small-town Walmart and got there about 11:00. I couldn't find the line. I checked up front, I checked in back...nothing. I finally tracked down an electronic employee and asked. They only had one deluxe and two regular that weren't on hold, and there wasn't a line. About ten minutes later, another guy showed up for a white one. I guess the gamble paid off.

I haven't even opened the box yet, as it's past my bed time. Tomorrow will be a fun day.

well, i left my wii at the shore... needless to say it's probably toast with being in a foot of water for a few days and all. will try it at work tommorow..maybe my game data can be saved.

In 2007 i stood on line at 2am freezing my ass off... 2012, I got here at 7 am with aonly 16 people in front of me. TRU was very well run, giving out tickets every ten minutes so people didn't have to freeze.



now i just have to wait an hour to download the update

[wyldman11]

I am stuck on downloading the update atm, so I can make sure the WII games etc I purchased work. I never bought a WII so got some I didn't have.

[Dynamo of Eternia]

wyldman, are you having a problem where it is taking an absurdly long time to download the update, and it keeps erroring out? (but picks up where it left off when you start it up again)? This keeps happening to me and it's really getting annoying.

[wyldman11]

Just took a while to download, I have it installed and everything now.

[Dynamo of Eternia]

Mine finally finished downloading and is installing now. The servers must be getting slammed being launch day.

- - - Updated - - -

Posting this from my Wii U tablet controller. This is pretty cool! So far the web browser on here is much better than the PS3 browser. And it looks great on both the controller screen and on the TV!

[wyldman11]

I played Super Mario U on both the Tv and the controller and I was kind of surprised at how good the screen on the controller looks. I could see it being a bit of a pain on the hands for lengthy play though.

Mainly I was getting some Mario Kart in to open up the unlockables. I might be a bit crazy but some of the in games menus and stuff seemed to look a bit differently than when I have played on the Wii.

- - - Updated - - -

well, i left my wii at the shore... needless to say it's probably toast with being in a foot of water for a few days and all. will try it at work tommorow..maybe my game data can be saved.

e

If there was no power to the device make sure it's fully dry and it very well could still work.

[dorrmann]

My U is still updating, so I can't try this myself, but I have a couple of questions.

Can you play Wii games on the tablet screen?

Can you have a Wii remote sync'd to the U and the Wii at the same time, or do you have to re-sync each time?

[Swifty]

My U is still updating, so I can't try this myself, but I have a couple of questions.

Can you play Wii games on the tablet screen?

Can you have a Wii remote sync'd to the U and the Wii at the same time, or do you have to re-sync each time?

No, you can not play a Wii game on the tablet screen. The Wii application on the Wii U boots up the same software that was installed on the Wii. You have to switch back to the Wii U OS to access any other features.

As for the synching I haven't tried it myself but I can't see how you could have it synched to both. I would bet my life you have to synch it each time between the two. However, since there is a Wii living inside your Wii U hopefully you won't have to do this a lot.

Any MOTU fans who have picked up a Wii U and are looking to add some friends let me know!

[Dynamo of Eternia]

Last night I also used the feature where I linked up the Wii remote to control my TV. That is pretty cool, too!

Does anyone know if there is currently anyway to link it up with my Comcast box/DVR? I hope that feature comes eventually if it is not available now. I also would like to sync it up with my surround sound system, if possible (which I know is probably overly wishful thinking).

[dorrmann]

Last night I also used the feature where I linked up the Wii remote to control my TV. That is pretty cool, too!

Does anyone know if there is currently anyway to link it up with my Comcast box/DVR? I hope that feature comes eventually if it is not available now. I also would like to sync it up with my surround sound system, if possible (which I know is probably overly wishful thinking).

Both are available in the settings. The DVR remote doesn't work well, as it has limited buttons. You basically have a guide and live TV.

[wyldman11]

Yeah mine wouldn't connect to my DVR, saying it was either too old or just not one of the normal systems or some such. I didn't try to hook it to my TV yet.

[Dynamo of Eternia]

Hopefully they upgrade that soon to make it work better. It would be cool to be able to do that. It's nice being able to control the TV with it, but since I change channels and record shows with my DVR remote and adjust the sound with the remote for the sound system, all this does for my purposes is give me a different option to turn the TV on and off and change which input I'm using on it.

[Shredder]

So, I reteived my x box hard drive. assuming all of the games where on the portable one, and not the internal memory, does anyone know if this might be salvagable by experts? the HD is making a clicking noise when i power it up via the PC. The only game i want on here is turtles in time reshelled. everything else can be downloaded again..

thanks

gonna try and power up my flooded WII as well, if that still works, maybe i can transfer the games to the u somehow.

[markatisu]

Nintendo said in the past week there are a few big updates coming out before the year is over, it will add a lot of stuff to the basic OS (patches for games, system functionality, etc) so I assume any problems/shortcomings we have right now are just our fault for buying this as early adopters (something PC users know very well lol)

[TheDeviot]

Nintendo said in the past week there are a few big updates coming out before the year is over, it will add a lot of stuff to the basic OS (patches for games, system functionality, etc) so I assume any problems/shortcomings we have right now are just our fault for buying this as early adopters (something PC users know very well lol)

It's not a big deal all that much on PC anymore. Most of today's games autodial to the publisher servers to get patches automatically. Other times digital storefronts do it. Steam cloud patches every game I have on the service, as
does EA's Origin.

The only patches you really worry about anymore, are getting OS drivers from Microsoft (Again autopatched if you leave Automatic Updates enabled), and your Videocard/peripheral drivers which you remember
to do once every two or three months.

Unless the next Xbox or Playstation really wow me with a killer first party IP, it's looking to be another six years of happy PC gaming, with an eventual Wii U purchase for my Mario fix.

I played the GS kiosk Wii U. So far I think it's pretty cool. I know a lot are trying to paint it dead before it's even started rolling like Kotaku pointing out low Black Ops II online multiplayer numbers. But dang the thing just came out, and is
in short supply like the first Wii was when it launched. Check the numbers again in 3 months after Christmas, and stores get a few more in stock from time to time.

On Wii U so far gamewise though I know I'll want:

Super Mario Bros Wii U
Wonderful 101
Bayonetta 2
Tekken Tag Tournament 2

4 must own titles in a launch period ain't half bad when looking at previous gens.

Since you brought up PC gaming though Mark you might be interested in this CAG forum post. Some great deals on Steam/Amazon/Gamersgate/D2D/GoG keys, as well as retail boxed PC games:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/...d.php?t=328579

I bought Binary Domain for $8.99, and the Saints Row Season Pass for $5. Pretty great deals.

On a side note I have to say Binary Domain is giving me Deja Vu. Because I felt the same way after playing Capcom's Bionic Commando reboot.
It's actually a really good game (Made by the creators of Yakuza) that is being glossed over because of minor problems outlets are making out to be game breaking.

It has exactly two problems:
1.) It's mildly derivative using elements from Vanquish (360/PS3), and Hard Reset (Windows).
2.) The touted voice interface doesn't work 15%-20% of the time. (BUT, you can play through the game with voice features disabled perfectly ok.)

Hardly issues that should bring it down to 5/10, 6/10 territory. I haven't finished it yet mind you, but so far I'd say it's an 7.5/10, 8/10 experience.
But I suppose this gen hasn't been receptive to B quality games when compared to AAA blockbusters.

Anyhoot, a couple of shots for those curious about it who skipped it or hadn't heard of it: