The Official "Console War" and Video Game Thread

[markatisu]

I checked Amazon...and it's $130. Did it expire already?

It sold out, it was Amazons deal of the day

The $130 you are seeing is a marketplace seller J&R Music World not Amazon.com directly

[Skullface]

Microsoft added 84 more Xbox titles to the backwards compatibility list today-here they are:

2006 Fifa World Cup Germany
25 to Life
AMF Bowling 2004
Apex
Arena Football
Armed and Dangerous
Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance
Batman Rise of Sin Tzu
Bionicle
Blade II
Blinx: The Timesweeper
Blitz The League
Blood Omen 2
Blowout
Breakdown
Burnout 2: Point of Impact
Cabelas Dangerous Hunts 2
Championship Manager 2006
Colin Mcrae Rally 2005
Crime Life: Gang Wars
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
Dungeons& Dragons Heroes
ESPN College Hoops 2k5
ESPN NFL 2k5
Fantastic 4
FIFA 06 Soccer
Fight Night: Round 3
Final Fight: Streetwise
Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone
Freedom Fighters
Freestyle Street Soccer
Future Tactics: The Uprising
Godzilla Destroy All Monsters Melee
Godzilla Save the Earth
Goldeneye Rogue Agent
Greg Hastings Tournament Paintball Max'd
High Heat MLB 2004
Hunter: The Reckoning
Indiana Jones And The Emperors Tomb
MLB Slugfest Loaded
MVP Baseball 2003
MVP Baseball 2004
MVP Baseball 2005
Nascar Thunder 2002
Nascar Thunder 2003
NBA 2k3
NBA Ballers
NBA Inside Drive 2002
NBA Street V3
NCAA College Basketball 2k3
NCAA March Madness 2005
NCAA March Madness 2006
NFL 2k2
NFL 2k3
NHL 2005
NHL 2K3
NHL Hitz Pro
Nightcaster: Defeat The Darkness
NTRA Breeders Cup: World Thoroughbred Championships
Playboy The Mansion
RLH Hunt or be Hunted
Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown
Rocky
Rugby 2006
Shattered Union
Shrek Super Party
Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter
Starsky & Hutch
Syberia II
Techmo Classic Arcade
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Test Drive
The Bard's Tale
The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
The Guy Game
The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age
Thousand Land
Thrillville
Tom and Jerry in War of the Whiskers
Turok: Evolution
Van Helsing
WarPath
Worms 3D
Zathura

Still no Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay.... Looks like the old Xbox will stay connected for at least another 5 months......

[ehenyo]

Woot! Woot!

Deus Ex 3 has been announced! Exciting times!

Teaser Trailer: http://kotaku.com/gaming/trailer/deu...ser-326568.php
News: http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=16365

[hemanrep]

Microsoft added 84 more Xbox titles to the backwards compatibility list today-here they are:

2006 Fifa World Cup Germany
25 to Life
AMF Bowling 2004
Apex
Arena Football
Armed and Dangerous
Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance
Batman Rise of Sin Tzu
Bionicle
Blade II
Blinx: The Timesweeper
Blitz The League
Blood Omen 2
Blowout
Breakdown
Burnout 2: Point of Impact
Cabelas Dangerous Hunts 2
Championship Manager 2006
Colin Mcrae Rally 2005
Crime Life: Gang Wars
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
Dungeons& Dragons Heroes
ESPN College Hoops 2k5
ESPN NFL 2k5
Fantastic 4
FIFA 06 Soccer
Fight Night: Round 3
Final Fight: Streetwise
Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone
Freedom Fighters
Freestyle Street Soccer
Future Tactics: The Uprising
Godzilla Destroy All Monsters Melee
Godzilla Save the Earth
Goldeneye Rogue Agent
Greg Hastings Tournament Paintball Max'd
High Heat MLB 2004
Hunter: The Reckoning
Indiana Jones And The Emperors Tomb
MLB Slugfest Loaded
MVP Baseball 2003
MVP Baseball 2004
MVP Baseball 2005
Nascar Thunder 2002
Nascar Thunder 2003
NBA 2k3
NBA Ballers
NBA Inside Drive 2002
NBA Street V3
NCAA College Basketball 2k3
NCAA March Madness 2005
NCAA March Madness 2006
NFL 2k2
NFL 2k3
NHL 2005
NHL 2K3
NHL Hitz Pro
Nightcaster: Defeat The Darkness
NTRA Breeders Cup: World Thoroughbred Championships
Playboy The Mansion
RLH Hunt or be Hunted
Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown
Rocky
Rugby 2006
Shattered Union
Shrek Super Party
Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter
Starsky & Hutch
Syberia II
Techmo Classic Arcade
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Test Drive
The Bard's Tale
The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
The Guy Game
The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age
Thousand Land
Thrillville
Tom and Jerry in War of the Whiskers
Turok: Evolution
Van Helsing
WarPath
Worms 3D
Zathura

Still no Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay.... Looks like the old Xbox will stay connected for at least another 5 months......

Half of those are freakin' sports games! What a way to BS the amount of BC games! Looks like an EA BC Special Edition.

[Predabot]

Woot! Woot!

Deus Ex 3 has been announced! Exciting times!

Teaser Trailer: http://kotaku.com/gaming/trailer/deu...ser-326568.php
News: http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=16365

Saw it earlier today at another site. All tho it's an interesting teaser, and the music always does it for me, but I'm still not sure this is worth celebrating...

Because the second game was just a complete failure, both when it comes to sales and quality. Comepletely inferior in just about every way to the first one. One of the reasons why the property has been in limbo for so long.

So, do we know who's doing the game this time? And would they approach it differently in any way? Also, is the original creator more heavily involved this time? One of the reasons that have been stated why DEX2 weren't so good was that the creator was less involved that time around.

[markatisu]

Well its about time, the Wii gets its first full fledged RPG (hopefully not the last)

Fragile by Namco (the team that made Eternal Sonata and collaborated on Baten Kaitos and Baten Kaitos Origins), reminds me of Silent Hill meets JRPG

The trailer can be seen here

[CowboyGuy]

Umm, looks like as title I would love! RPG, yes...art style, yes!! It reminds me of that movie Spirited Away.

Can't wait for more details.

[markatisu]

Umm, looks like as title I would love! RPG, yes...art style, yes!! It reminds me of that movie Spirited Away.

Can't wait for more details.

The game is about 30% done and these are the only details that were printed in the recent JP magazine

Game design and graphics direction by the Seven/Venus & Braves team led by producer Kentaro Kawashima

Third person exploration RPG set in a post-apocalyptic era

The main character is a boy named Set that explores abandoned city ruins in a future world

The theme of the game is exploring lonely and empty ruins while encountering things once in a long while

The wiimote will be used to aim the flashlight while you move around

More art here and here

[ehenyo]

Saw it earlier today at another site. All tho it's an interesting teaser, and the music always does it for me, but I'm still not sure this is worth celebrating...

Because the second game was just a complete failure, both when it comes to sales and quality. Comepletely inferior in just about every way to the first one. One of the reasons why the property has been in limbo for so long.

So, do we know who's doing the game this time? And would they approach it differently in any way? Also, is the original creator more heavily involved this time? One of the reasons that have been stated why DEX2 weren't so good was that the creator was less involved that time around.

DX2 was not a failure in my book --- although it was inferior to DX1. I actually liked how it furthered the storyline, but I did not like the new engine, high system requirements, and the capitalization on terrorism. But, overall, it was a good game in its own right.

As far as I know, Warren Spector is not involved with DX3, but to paraphrase another person's comment, "Sometimes it's good that the original creator is not involved with sequels. Just look at the new Star Wars movies!"

[CowboyGuy]

Off topic: I bought Donkey Kong Country on the Wii VC today. After playing it for about an hour...I realized I would love to see a true spiritual sequel to DKC, and DKC2!

The one for the N64 was awful, and totally ripped off Mario 64 IMO. Donkey Kong Country games were so cool to me because the soundtrack as well as level and character design made it so atmospheric. It really put you in another place, which I dig. I hope they make one someday, and that it will not be anything like the more recent Donkey Kong games.

[Predabot]

DX2 was not a failure in my book --- although it was inferior to DX1. I actually liked how it furthered the storyline, but I did not like the new engine, high system requirements, and the capitalization on terrorism. But, overall, it was a good game in its own right.

As far as I know, Warren Spector is not involved with DX3, but to paraphrase another person's comment, "Sometimes it's good that the original creator is not involved with sequels. Just look at the new Star Wars movies!"

Well, one of the key problems with the last one was that it was released kind of half-baked if you know what I mean? It was obviously in need of a bit more polishing before release, but was rushed trough anyway.

This led to some pretty fatal bugs... And many smaller, yet annoying ones. Now, for the PC-version, this was more or less fixed in the last patches, but obviously not so for the Console-versions...

I just hope they'll take the time and really give it a good solid polish before they release it this time.
I will hold out before even checking it out until I've heard the reviews, and if they are favorable, I might check it out.

[ehenyo]

Well, one of the key problems with the last one was that it was released kind of half-baked if you know what I mean? It was obviously in need of a bit more polishing before release, but was rushed trough anyway.

This led to some pretty fatal bugs... And many smaller, yet annoying ones. Now, for the PC-version, this was more or less fixed in the last patches, but obviously not so for the Console-versions...

I just hope they'll take the time and really give it a good solid polish before they release it this time.
I will hold out before even checking it out until I've heard the reviews, and if they are favorable, I might check it out.

Yeah, a lot of people are saying the same thing. I think the biggest mistake they made was developing their own engine and not using the Unreal Engine again --- a lot of bugs were due to the new engine.

Re: Donkey Kong above. I REALLY wish they would create an updated version of the classic Donkey Kong --- finally repit Mario against DK!

[MattOnDemand]

Off topic: I bought Donkey Kong Country on the Wii VC today. After playing it for about an hour...I realized I would love to see a true spiritual sequel to DKC, and DKC2!

The one for the N64 was awful, and totally ripped off Mario 64 IMO. Donkey Kong Country games were so cool to me because the soundtrack as well as level and character design made it so atmospheric. It really put you in another place, which I dig. I hope they make one someday, and that it will not be anything like the more recent Donkey Kong games.

Not sure if you remember, but there was a DKC3...

[GeologyMule]

Did you all see the Gameinformer with all the screenshots and info about the upcoming Ghostbusters game? Looks very cool. Interesting tidbit of trivia in that article for those who haven't seen it. Media research completed by someone...I don't have it in front of me....showed that the Coca-Cola symbol was the #1 recognizable logo in the world. Ghostbusters was #2.

[krosfyah]

Did you all see the Gameinformer with all the screenshots and info about the upcoming Ghostbusters game? Looks very cool. Interesting tidbit of trivia in that article for those who haven't seen it. Media research completed by someone...I don't have it in front of me....showed that the Coca-Cola symbol was the #1 recognizable logo in the world. Ghostbusters was #2.

I heard that it was the Ford logo actually, but this was info I had learned more than 10 years ago when I was in school for advertising. things do change.

[PJMania]

Off topic: I bought Donkey Kong Country on the Wii VC today. After playing it for about an hour...I realized I would love to see a true spiritual sequel to DKC, and DKC2!

The one for the N64 was awful, and totally ripped off Mario 64 IMO.

I thought the N64 one was more of a recycling of Banjo-Kazooie than anything.

[Predabot]

Yeah, a lot of people are saying the same thing. I think the biggest mistake they made was developing their own engine and not using the Unreal Engine again --- a lot of bugs were due to the new engine.

Re: Donkey Kong above. I REALLY wish they would create an updated version of the classic Donkey Kong --- finally repit Mario against DK!

Really? I thought it DID use Unreal Engine 2?

(looks at wiki)

Hmm, it did. But maybe the changes they made weren't so great...

http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:J...n&ct=clnk&cd=1

[ehenyo]

Really? I thought it DID use Unreal Engine 2?

(looks at wiki)

Hmm, it did. But maybe the changes they made weren't so great...

http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:J...n&ct=clnk&cd=1

Hmmm... I guess so. Guess i was wrong!

[VaderLives]

Not sure if you remember, but there was a DKC3...

And there were the Gameboy games as well...

[markatisu]

Finally got around to playing Assassins Creed (I put Uncharted on my christmas list for my wife hemanrep ) and its not that bad. It looks prettier then it plays, not saying its bad but I think a lot more work went into the graphics then the gameplay and story (the story is so out there btw).

I did not witness any of the issues the PS3 version is said to have (like freezing, tearing, white screens).

My brother and I have finished the 1st level and already we can see how repetitive this thing gets (gather intel, plan your assasination, and then kill).

The story is pretty decent for what it is (trust me if you have only seen the commericals you are in for a WHAT?!?! when the game starts) but its definitly an afterthought.

This game to me proves the idea that graphics and that gameplay will always be better, because while its pretty I dont really have much desire to play it or finish it

On the other hand I am just in love with the Wii Zapper, I have been playing the HECK out of Ghost Squad. For only have 3 levels the branching and level system is addictive, you want to play through again just to get more exp points which unlock more costumes and weapons (there are like 50 different guns to unlock which you can then choose as your primary during play).

I still am subpar based on the online rankings, I think I rank 2956th

Also tried out Rayman Raving Rabids 2 and its definitly a good game, I never got to play the 1st one but the 2nd one has some solid mini games. Like all Wii mini game compilations it probably sucks standalone but if you have at least 2 others with you its a sure fire blast. The Guitar Hero/Rock Band mini game is amazingly tight, IGN complained that it did not register their movements but myself, my wife and my brother had no issues. The hardest game so far was the Spiderman one but thats because the instructions are not really as clear as they could be and once you figure it out its quite easy.

The movies on it look spectacular (everyone should watch the intro to the game, now if only all Wii games could be that nice in the fmv category) but sadly I think Ubisoft cheaped out as the in game graphics dont look anywhere near what they should (rushed out is more like it).

The game should have had online play, hopefully if it sells well enough then the 3rd iteration will come fully equipped with online play.

[wolf-manj]

Finally got around to playing Assassins Creed (I put Uncharted on my christmas list for my wife hemanrep ) and its not that bad. It looks prettier then it plays, not saying its bad but I think a lot more work went into the graphics then the gameplay and story (the story is so out there btw).

My brother and I have finished the 1st level and already we can see how repetitive this thing gets (gather intel, plan your assasination, and then kill).


This game to me proves the idea that graphics and that gameplay will always be better, because while its pretty I dont really have much desire to play it or finish it

On the other hand I am just in love with the Wii Zapper, I have been playing the HECK out of Ghost Squad. For only have 3 levels the branching and level system is addictive, you want to play through again just to get more exp points which unlock more costumes and weapons (there are like 50 different guns to unlock which you can then choose as your primary during play).

I have to agree with you on AC. I was watching my friend play it, not something i care for at all.

I tried ghost squad last night. I kind of suck at it Did not defeat any of the bosses and failed at the hand to hand and knife missions.

[markatisu]

I tried ghost squad last night. I kind of suck at it Did not defeat any of the bosses and failed at the hand to hand and knife missions.

I think most of us suck , I was looking at online rankings and the people who have had it in Japan are getting 1,000,000 + scores while us Americans are topping out at maybe 650,000. My personal best is only 365,000 and that was beating Boss 1, failing at Boss 2, and almost beating Boss 3.

The 1st boss is easy, you just have to make sure you get lock ons quickly, I have only ever lost this part once

The 2nd boss is a lot of luck (I usually wait for him to get behind the wing and pop his head up by my brother can hit him almost as soon as you are able to shoot)

The 3rd boss I have yet to defeat, I am finally able to get to him with regularity but I cannot ever blow up his shield and kill him fast enough. I usually get his shield down when time runs out.

The hand to hand parts can be hard, if I fail its always at the final one. I swear I get there in time and press the action button but repeatedly I get hit and fail them.

My tips for the game overall is to make sure its calbibrated, do not play Ghost Squad without going through the calibration screen under options, and 2nd make sure you are using a control scheme that is easy for you. I was playing for the longest time with the wiimote control scheme and I was using the Wii Zapper....needless to say it was something to try to shoot people with B and disarm bombs with the A (the Wii Zapper scheme maps the Action button to Z which is much more ergonomic and easier to control).

[wolf-manj]

I think most of us suck , I was looking at online rankings and the people who have had it in Japan are getting 1,000,000 + scores while us Americans are topping out at maybe 650,000. My personal best is only 365,000 and that was beating Boss 1, failing at Boss 2, and almost beating Boss 3.

The 1st boss is easy, you just have to make sure you get lock ons quickly, I have only ever lost this part once

The 2nd boss is a lot of luck (I usually wait for him to get behind the wing and pop his head up by my brother can hit him almost as soon as you are able to shoot)

The 3rd boss I have yet to defeat, I am finally able to get to him with regularity but I cannot ever blow up his shield and kill him fast enough. I usually get his shield down when time runs out.

i just played again. Beat the first two bosses but didn't even destroy all the boat armor on the 3rd. I beat the hand to hand but failed on the very last action button press on the knife.

[markatisu]

i just played again. Beat the first two bosses but didn't even destroy all the boat armor on the 3rd. I beat the hand to hand but failed on the very last action button press on the knife.

Ha ha looks like we have the same problems with the hand to hand!

To beat the boat you need to basically just need to follow these steps: shoot the armor and launch one grenade, if its still standing then shoot it down. The game makes it seem like grenades will take it out but that takes too long due to the reload time on the grenade launcher.

What I do is unload my entire clip into one, throw a grenade and reload to kill the enemy who is hiding behind the boat armor I just destroyed.

I almost beat the 3rd boss but I was about 1sec too short (he was at 0 and I threw a grenade instead of fired a shot which would have killed him).

My main goal is to unlock the Virtua Cop outfit, so far I have 4 outfits and 5 guns unlocked and am on Level 10.

[GR81]

GR81 says:

Trauma Center: New Blood is awesome espacially in coop mission.
I never tought i would like such a game, but its challenging indeed