April Console Sales Numbers

[Big Fo]

Hardware:

Wii........................ 714.2K
Nintendo DS.......... 414.8K
PSP....................... 192.7K
Xbox 360............... 188.0K
PlayStation 3........... 187.1K
PlayStation 2........... 124.4K

Software:

360 GTA IV........................................................... 1.85m
Wii Mario Kart Wii................................................ 1.12m
PS3 GTA IV........................................................ 1.00m
Wii Play................................................................ 360K
Wii Super Smash Bros. Brawl... ................................ 326K
PS3 Gran Turismo 5: Prologue......... ................................. 224K
DS Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness..... 202K
DS Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time...... 202K
Wii Guitar Hero III.................................................. ... 152K

Industry Numbers:

U.S. Video Games Industry - April 2008
......................April 2007......April 2008...............YTD Apr 07 ..................YTD Apr 08
Video Games ...............$839 million $1.23 billion 47.0% $4.18 billion $5.47 billion 31.0%
Video Games Hardware $339.2 million $426.2 million 26.0% $1.62 billion $1.84 billion 13.0%
Video Games Software $389.4 million $654.7 million 68.0% $1.97 billion $2.88 billion 46.0%
Video Game Accessories $110.4 million $154 million 39.0% $584.4 million $750.6 million 29.0%

Who would have thought GTA IV wasn't a system seller? Both 360 and PS3 numbers are disappointing, I think they each could use a price drop.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm shocked that the PS3 and 360 sales aren't higher. Anyway, those numbers more than support MS's claim of over 60% sales of all copies of GTA IV, at least in the USA.

[MJ4H]

Wasn't GTA (and Mario Kart, for that matter) only available for like a week or less in April?

[Eaglesfan27]

Wasn't GTA (and Mario Kart, for that matter) only available for like a week or less in April?

Yes. Impressive sales for both of them in that week's time.

[MJ4H]

Sure, but point being it didn't have that much time to affect console sales fully? Maybe? Dunno. I expected more from them, too.

[Big Fo]

7 days for Mario Kart Wii, 5 days for GTA. The "month" ended on May 3.

PR statements from the Big Three - wired.com link (http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/05/npd-spin-first.html#more)

[sterlingice]

It's nice to see Wii GH3 chugging along there in 10 still. 3rd party Wii games on the list are always good to see.

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Here's the April Worldwide numbers with NPD added in.......

April Worldwide Sales Numbers

Wii - 1,644,000
PS3 - 704,000
360 - 570,000

April North American Console Sales

Wii - 714K
360 - 188K
PS3 - 187K

April Japan Console Sales

Wii - 186K
PS3 - 38K
360 - 7K

April European Console Sales

Wii - 744K
PS3 - 489K
360 - 375K

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm shocked that the PS3 and 360 sales aren't higher. Anyway, those numbers more than support MS's claim of over 60% sales of all copies of GTA IV, at least in the USA.

Yeah, as several publications have mentioned, that's got to be a really disappointing result for MS in their biggest region. They really should have been able to beat the PS3 in attach rate in North America and they didn't do that.

It doesn't look like the hardware sales on either console were boosted significantly, which stands in stark contrast to the European boost in hardware sales. Another thing that's quite clear from the NPD numbers is that claims in the media and from Microsoft in regards to attach rate and hardware sales in North America were highly exaggerated. That has to be frustrating to the MS group, as they had dropped quite a bit of money into GTA to get that exclusive content.

Both Sony and Microsoft really could use a price drop jump start. On Sony's end, I'm sure they'll likely want to see how MGS4 helps their sales. Europe showed this month that a bundle can really effect sales. I'm sure Sony is hoping that a bundle of MGS4 will have a similar effect. Oddly, Sony only predicted sales for FY09 of 10M units. That indicates that they don't have plans for a price drop in the coming year. The reports that they may still be losing money per unit sold may be very true.

Microsoft has got to make a price move as well. In April 2007 with no big gamer releases, they sold 174K units. In April 2008 with one of their most hyped releases, they sold 181K units. That's not what you want to see out of a 2 1/2 year old console.

The Wii sold more units in the final week of April (GTA4 release week) than the 360 and PS3 did combined for that same week. That's called printing money.

[wade moore]

What is the ratio of 360:PS3 sold (lifetime) in the US?


I find the "system seller" discussion to be interest.

Personally I don't see that 2 1/2 years into this generation that a cross-platform game can be expected to be a system seller.

[Daimyo]

Wow. Absolutely amazing month for Nintendo. I guess this puts to rest that stupid article that claimed N was in trouble
without GTA.

I love that Mario Kart outsold PS3 GTA4 head-to-head!

[Ksyrup]

As little as I'm playing my PS2 these days (GH, and NCAA '07 when the football bug bites), and as much as I'm playing the Wii (mostly for boxing, as a workout thing, and we're getting Wii Fit), I seriously doubt I'll be buying a PS3 or 360 unless the price comes way down. I'm still holding out hope that I'll be gifted a 360, but I'm not holding my breath.

I'm hoping the NCAA game for the Wii gets good in the next 2-3 years so I can move on from '07, but honestly, I still enjoy that game just fine.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

What is the ratio of 360:PS3 sold (lifetime) in the US?

I find the "system seller" discussion to be interest.

Personally I don't see that 2 1/2 years into this generation that a cross-platform game can be expected to be a system seller.

360:PS3 ration in the US is currently 71:29 in favor of the Xbox 360.

My point on the 2007 vs. 2008 monthly numbers for the 360 is that a mature console that far into its life cycle should be seeing increasing numbers, especially when they have a AAA game with exclusive DLC available on the system. The fact that it didn't do better is a big concern. The 2-3 year mark is when a console should really start raking in the customers.

[Eaglesfan27]

The reports that they may still be losing money per unit sold may be very true.


Interesting that you say that. There are now analysts who believe they have been underreporting their losses on the PS3 and are actually still losing about 260 dollars per PS3 shipped and that a price cut in 08 isn't going to happen as a result (by the way, Sony reports it is losing 130 per PS3, so the reports are definitely true. It is just a matter of magnitude.):

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=189023

[gstelmack]

PS3 STILL has not hit the 300K+ margin they need to meet all those "catch the 360" predictions we've been hearing for months. Only +130K this month worldwide.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting that you say that. There are now analysts who believe they have been underreporting their losses on the PS3 and are actually still losing about 260 dollars per PS3 shipped and that a price cut in 08 isn't going to happen as a result (by the way, Sony reports it is losing 130 per PS3, so the reports are definitely true. It is just a matter of magnitude.):

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=189023

Yeah, that's the report I was referring to. ;)

The major cost reduction is expected in August when the smaller chip set moves into the consoles. Depending on what numbers are correct, they may be able to get close to break-even. With that said, the forecast indicates that they won't drop prices this holiday season. But they may be forced to drop the price if Microsoft makes a move. Given that Microsoft has its own financial problems with the ongoing RROD repair costs, they may not be in any big hurry to drop their prices either. In that case, both Sony and Microsoft sit on their duff and neither of them sell many consoles. I'm hoping that doesn't occur. This market desparately needs a boost, profits be dammed.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting that you say that. There are now analysts who believe they have been underreporting their losses on the PS3 and are actually still losing about 260 dollars per PS3 shipped and that a price cut in 08 isn't going to happen as a result (by the way, Sony reports it is losing 130 per PS3, so the reports are definitely true. It is just a matter of magnitude.):

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=189023

Yeah, that's the report I was referring to. ;)

The major cost reduction is expected in August when the smaller chip set moves into the consoles. Depending on what numbers are correct, they may be able to get close to break-even. With that said, the forecast indicates that they won't drop prices this holiday season. But they may be forced to drop the price if Microsoft makes a move. Given that Microsoft has its own financial problems with the ongoing RROD repair costs, they may not be in any big hurry to drop their prices either. In that case, both Sony and Microsoft sit on their duff and neither of them sell many consoles. I'm hoping that doesn't occur. This market desparately needs a boost, profits be damned.

[Kodos]

I love that Mario Kart outsold PS3 GTA4 head-to-head!

Well, the Wii does have a much larger userbase than the PS3. I think that goes a long way in explaining that. In contrast, you could look at it like this: GTA IV came close to tripling Mario Cart sales on a much smaller combined userbase.

[MJ4H]

I still haven't bought Mario Kart. One of my students brought it to school and we played it the other day. I do like it better than Mario Kart DS (snaking is annoying and not snaking is more annoying because then you just go slow), but overall it is kind of disappointing. Probably when I get my own copy and play it online I will be more enthralled.

Grand Theft Auto has of course never even remotely interested me.

I certainly wouldn't expect Mario Kart numbers to even approach GTA numbers, though. I think it should be kept in mind that these numbers are for about a week of release on these two titles, also.

[KWhit]

When you guys talk about snaking, what the hell are you talking about?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

When you guys talk about snaking, what the hell are you talking about?

In the Mario Kart games before the Wii version, you could skid your kart around corners and wiggle it back and forth to produce a speed boost. They took that out of the Wii version.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

SCEA released a new release schedule for their first-party titles.........

PSP
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 - June 3, 2008
Secret Agent Clank - June 17, 2008
NBA 09 - Fall 2008
BUZZ! Master Quiz - Fall 2008

PLAYSTATION Network
wipEout HD - Summer 2008
Elefunk - Summer 2008
PixelJunk Eden - Summer 2008
SIREN: Blood Curse - Summer 2008
SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Confrontation - September 16, 2008

PS3
SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Confrontation - September 16, 2008
LittleBigPlanet - October 2008
NBA 09 - Fall 2008
BUZZ! Quiz TV - Fall 2008
MotorStorm Pacific Rift - Fall 2008
Resistance 2 - Fall 2008
Killzone 2 - February 2009

[Daimyo]

Well, the Wii does have a much larger userbase than the PS3. I think that goes a long way in explaining that. In contrast, you could look at it like this: GTA IV came close to tripling Mario Cart sales on a much smaller combined userbase.

Of course we're comparing a franchise that sold over 42M last generation (or an average of 14M per game) to one that almost sold 7M. I don't think anyone expected Mario Kart to compete with GTA4. For it to even match the PS3 version of GTA4 is pretty amazing to me.

[Daimyo]

In the Mario Kart games before the Wii version, you could skid your kart around corners and wiggle it back and forth to produce a speed boost. They took that out of the Wii version.

That is not snaking and that is still in the Wii version. In fact it is easier to do in the Wii version. It has always been intended behavior for the series.

Snaking is when you do that on straight-aways. That was never intended and was always considered to be very cheesy.

[MJ4H]

When you guys talk about snaking, what the hell are you talking about?

Snaking is the act of skidding around the course as much as possible to give yourself lots of speed boosts. When you go into a skid (slide), hold the slide and push LRLRLRLRLR... on the d-pad until your sparks change to orange. Then when you release the slide, you get a speed boost. The LRLRLRLR... thing is very annoying to do. You get killed by good players if you dont do it, though.

[twothree]

A bullet point from Microsoft's own PR stated, "Microsoft sales data shows Xbox 360 consoles saw a 54% lift week-over-week as a result of “Grand Theft Auto IV,” and retailers are reporting that roughly four out of every 10 Xbox 360 consoles sold included the sale of a copy of “Grand Theft Auto IV.” (Microsoft internal data)"

Now this is just my analysis, but if the reporting month was for 4 weeks, and if the XBOX was selling a steady 41.4K a week for the first three weeks without GTA IV then a 54% boost would be an additional 22.4K (with rounding). Total sold 188.0K = 3 x (41.4K) + (41.4K + 22.4K). Therefore GTA IV only helped sell 22.4K XBOX 360s. Which is not a system seller, at least in it's first week. Also the other point about roughly four out of every 10 XBOX 360s sold was with a copy of GTA IV fits my analysis fairly well. Since my calculations show 41.4K + 22.4K = 63.8K XBOX 360s sold in the last week of the month. And 22.4K / 63.8K = about 35%.

And here is another calculation based upon my analysis if GTA IV sold 1850.0K copies on the XBOX 360, then 22.4K / 1850.0K = about 1.21% of people who bought a copy of GTA IV for the XBOX 360 also bought an XBOX 360. No way is that a system seller, at least not in that week of sales.

[Big Fo]

Basically snaking made the DS version unplayable online which is a shame since the game rocked otherwise. A person who was snaking could drive through the entire course on a speed boost and wouldn't lose speed even when going off the track.

It's removal is one of the best things about the Wii version in addition to lag-free 12-player online and some excellent track designs. For me it's right up there with the SNES version so I'm glad it sold so well.

Of course we're comparing a franchise that sold over 42M last generation (or an average of 14M per game) to one that almost sold 7M. I don't think anyone expected Mario Kart to compete with GTA4. For it to even match the PS3 version of GTA4 is pretty amazing to me.

Yeah when GTA3 and GTA3: San Andreas released on the PS2 both topped the charts for months at a time, to see the game debut in third on a Sony console provides a telling snapshot of just how far they have fallen.

SCEA released a new release schedule for their first-party titles.........

LittleBigPlanet pushed back again damn, I'm really looking forward to that game.

[Eaglesfan27]

A bullet point from Microsoft's own PR stated, "Microsoft sales data shows Xbox 360 consoles saw a 54% lift week-over-week as a result of “Grand Theft Auto IV,” and retailers are reporting that roughly four out of every 10 Xbox 360 consoles sold included the sale of a copy of “Grand Theft Auto IV.” (Microsoft internal data)"

Now this is just my analysis, but if the reporting month was for 4 weeks, and if the XBOX was selling a steady 41.4K a week for the first three weeks without GTA IV then a 54% boost would be an additional 22.4K (with rounding). Total sold 188.0K = 3 x (41.4K) + (41.4K + 22.4K). Therefore GTA IV only helped sell 22.4K XBOX 360s. Which is not a system seller, at least in it's first week. Also the other point about roughly four out of every 10 XBOX 360s sold was with a copy of GTA IV fits my analysis fairly well. Since my calculations show 41.4K + 22.4K = 63.8K XBOX 360s sold in the last week of the month. And 22.4K / 63.8K = about 35%.

And here is another calculation based upon my analysis if GTA IV sold 1850.0K copies on the XBOX 360, then 22.4K / 1850.0K = about 1.21% of people who bought a copy of GTA IV for the XBOX 360 also bought an XBOX 360. No way is that a system seller, at least not in that week of sales.

Nice calculations. I think these numbers show that GTA IV hasn't really been a significant system seller for either console. It appears that most of the purchasers, already had one of the two consoles.

[PurdueBrad]

Nice calculations. I think these numbers show that GTA IV hasn't really been a significant system seller for either console. It appears that most of the purchasers, already had one of the two consoles.

I think that is what surprised me. At this point for the 360 it's going to be tough to develop a true "system-seller" as the system has been out for a long time and it's owner foundation is firm. For me personally, I think I expected a slightly bigger systems sales boost given the current pricing and that GTA IV could be a much bigger gateway title for the newer of the two systems. As opposed to saying this is the fault of either console, I actually feel like GTA buyers, and there were a lot, had already committed to at least one of the two consoles.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

As opposed to saying this is the fault of either console, I actually feel like GTA buyers, and there were a lot, had already committed to at least one of the two consoles.

I disagree. I think that there's a lot of people that just don't have $300-500 that they're willing to spend right now on these high-end consoles. The Wii appeals a bit more at $250 because it's marketed as a system that everyone can enjoy, so the cost can be mitigated by the thought that the entire family gets benefit from it. There will be a price-tipping point where people move to adopt the PS3/360, but we're not there yet.

[MJ4H]

Probably around $50 for the PS3 for me ($25 for the 360).

:D

[KWhit]

Snaking is the act of skidding around the course as much as possible to give yourself lots of speed boosts. When you go into a skid (slide), hold the slide and push LRLRLRLRLR... on the d-pad until your sparks change to orange. Then when you release the slide, you get a speed boost. The LRLRLRLR... thing is very annoying to do. You get killed by good players if you dont do it, though.

Wow, that does sound annoying.

[Big Fo]

I wonder if the PS3 would have done better if Sony hadn't announced the 80 GB PS3/Dualshock 3/Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle. I remember reading that customers preferred the 80 GB over the 40 GB due to the former having ~80% backwards compatibility with PS2 games. That's what I'm waiting for before buying a PS3 and I wonder how many others feel the same way. If that hadn't been announced so early I'd have already bought one for MLB: the Show and GTA IV but who knows what percentage of potential customers pay attention to such things.

Anyway here's some more numbers I found:

PS2: ~42.0 million
NDS: ~19.5 million
PSP: ~11.5 million
360: ~10.1 million
Wii: ~9.5 million (Wii to become the USA leader one month ahead of time? NoA President Reggie Fils-Aime claimed they'd be top after June but if Nintendo ships even more consoles in May (for Wii Fit) than in April it could happen even sooner)
PS3: ~4.2 million

Misc. April software:

360 TOM CLANCY RAINBOW SIX VEGAS 2: ~105K
PSP GOD OF WAR CHAINS OLYMPUS: ~65K
NDS THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU: ~45K (I wish this would have sold a bit more, it's a fantastic RPG. $40 for a DS game is a bit much for some though)
NDS NINJA GAIDEN DRAGON SWORD ~25K

Rough LTDs:

360 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE: ~4.0 million
360 TOM CLANCY RAINBOW SIX VEGAS: ~855K
WII SUPER SMASH BROS. BRAWL: ~3.0 million
WII GUITAR HERO III: ~2.15 million
PSP GOD OF WAR CHAINS OLYMPUS: ~400K

[Godzilla Blitz]

We got a Wii on release, but I've always planned on buying either a 360 or a PS3 at some point. Up to just a couple of weeks ago, I was leaning toward picking up a PS3 in August or so.

But with more and more quality games coming out for the Wii (recently I ordered Mario Kart, Pro Evolution Soccer, Wii Fit and Boom Blox), I'm starting to think that I might just skip the 360 and PS3 altogether. I didn't feel this way six months ago, but now I've got plenty of innovative stuff to play on the Wii.

I wonder if there are more gamers out there who are starting to feel the same way, i.e., who looked at the Wii as a secondary console but are starting to feel that it might become their one and only console this generation.

[sterlingice]

I had a dream last night about getting a Wii. It may be time... ;)

SI

[Bee]

I had a dream last night about getting a Wii. It may be time... ;)

SI

Would a Wii dream be considered a wet dream?

[Big Fo]

I had a dream last night about getting a Wii. It may be time... ;)

SI

With any kind of effort I'm sure you'll be able to find one next week. There should be loads in stores for the launch of Wii Fit.

[General Mike]

I wonder if the PS3 would have done better if Sony hadn't announced the 80 GB PS3/Dualshock 3/Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle. I remember reading that customers preferred the 80 GB over the 40 GB due to the former having ~80% backwards compatibility with PS2 games. That's what I'm waiting for before buying a PS3 and I wonder how many others feel the same way.

Raises hand. I could be tempted to buy the 40 GB, since I still have a PS2 with a Best Buy warranty on it, but I've waited this long, so I might as well wait til June 12. I do wish it had a different pack in game tho.

[Cringer]

I wonder if the PS3 would have done better if Sony hadn't announced the 80 GB PS3/Dualshock 3/Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle. I remember reading that customers preferred the 80 GB over the 40 GB due to the former having ~80% backwards compatibility with PS2 games. That's what I'm waiting for before buying a PS3 and I wonder how many others feel the same way. If that hadn't been announced so early I'd have already bought one for MLB: the Show and GTA IV but who knows what percentage of potential customers pay attention to such things.


It's a good point. When my 360 broke before GTA IV came out we almost got a PS3 but decided to hold off because the bundle in June would be much better to get then the current PS3 being sold and made the 40 GB not worth getting to me. We got the 360 fixed and who knows if I get the PS3 in June? Maybe, maybe not.

[Godzilla Blitz]

I had a dream last night about getting a Wii. It may be time... ;)

SI

I was disappointed in my purchase after the 12-month mark. I just hadn't seen quality games that I thought I would enjoy.

But over the past six months that's completely turned around. Some genres are still pretty weak, though, so I'd definitely take a look at the games available for the Wii if you tend to play games in only one or two genres.

If you like a lot of different genres or if you like innovative gameplay, then I think you'll be very happy with the purchase.

[ColtCrazy]

As little as I'm playing my PS2 these days (GH, and NCAA '07 when the football bug bites), and as much as I'm playing the Wii (mostly for boxing, as a workout thing, and we're getting Wii Fit), I seriously doubt I'll be buying a PS3 or 360 unless the price comes way down. I'm still holding out hope that I'll be gifted a 360, but I'm not holding my breath.

I'm hoping the NCAA game for the Wii gets good in the next 2-3 years so I can move on from '07, but honestly, I still enjoy that game just fine.

Same here. I still fire up the old Xbox to play NCAA and Madden 07 for my football fix. I only have Wii Sports right now, but will get a couple more games when the incentive check comes in. I hope NCAA/Madden 09 on Wii will be good, but I don't mind playing the Xbox still.

[Neon_Chaos]

I've canvassed all around the Philippines for a good PS3 bundle, and I've been able to get the following:

40GB PS3, 2 Controllers, and 2 games of my choice (NBA2k8 and GTAIV most likely) - the entire bundle costs $550, tax included.

Is that good enough?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I've canvassed all around the Philippines for a good PS3 bundle, and I've been able to get the following:

40GB PS3, 2 Controllers, and 2 games of my choice (NBA2k8 and GTAIV most likely) - the entire bundle costs $550, tax included.

Is that good enough?

Seems like a pretty good deal. Are you going to buy the North American games from PlayAsia, or do you have an import store nearby?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Analysis article on April console sales numbers..........

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10535&Itemid=2

[Neon_Chaos]

Seems like a pretty good deal. Are you going to buy the North American games from PlayAsia, or do you have an import store nearby?

Over here, there's only one store I go to to solve all my gaming needs.

http://www.datablitz.com.ph/

They only show the PC games on their site, but they also carry all consoles and their respective games. And yes, they usually carry the North American versions.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Over here, there's only one store I go to to solve all my gaming needs.

http://www.datablitz.com.ph/

They only show the PC games on their site, but they also carry all consoles and their respective games. And yes, they usually carry the North American versions.

Nice. Sounds like a good setup to pick up the NA games.

[Neon_Chaos]

Nice. Sounds like a good setup to pick up the NA games.

Heck, they even carry Europa Universalis: Rome

:D

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like Haze is getting a wide range of reviews. Scores go from 4.5/10 all the way up to 9/10. In the end, it looks just about like what was expected......a pretty average game. There were far too many delays in the process to give anyone a warm and fuzzy feeling.

[KWhit]

Looks like Haze is getting a wide range of reviews. Scores go from 4.5/10 all the way up to 9/10. In the end, it looks just about like what was expected......a pretty average game. There were far too many delays in the process to give anyone a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Average? Not according to Tom Chick. Yikes.

http://www.quartertothree.com/inhouse/news/441/ (http://www.quartertothree.com/inhouse/news/441/)


Haze + You = out there in the cold

Okay, it's after midnight so the embargo is lifted on the review copies of Haze that went out last week.

I've played through the whole thing and as much as it pains me to say this -- I've loved most everything these developers have been doing, and I wish them all the success in the world -- Haze is utter and complete tripe. If I can prevent just one of you from throwing away money on this underdone turd of a shooter, I will be happy.

I'll have a full review online somewhere in about a week, but I care enough about you guys, and I know that enough of you guys are Timesplitters fans like me, that I just had to warn you, before it was too late. Heck, get Dark Sector, or that cool Viking game, or that cool time travel one whose name I can never remember. But trust me: this is not the shooter you're looking for.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Average? Not according to Tom Chick. Yikes.

http://www.quartertothree.com/inhouse/news/441/ (http://www.quartertothree.com/inhouse/news/441/)

Yeah, that one is similar to the IGN review. I've also seen a 6, 8, and 9 for the game. Judging from what I saw on the demo and from what I've heard from those who have already played it, sounds like a 6 or so is just about right. As I said, an average game. It's a shame, but everyone knew it wasn't going to be a very good game. There were far too many question marks. I think the developers just finally reached the point where they just decided to release it and move on to other things because it wasn't getting any better.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

May be seeing some fallout from the 'Haze' problems over at Ubisoft. This one hurts the 360 fall lineup. Splinter Cell: Conviction has been totally scrapped and development will start from scratch. Release will likely not occur until 2010. Article content has been confirmed by Ubisoft.

http://360.kombo.com/article.php?artid=12912

Metal Gear Solid 4? Big deal, right? Look at the Xbox 360 line-up for 2008; it contains titles like Ninja Gaiden 2, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, Gears of War 2, and Splinter Cell Conviction. Oh, wait, one of those titles won't be hitting this year after all. It appears that 360 owners won't be enjoying an espionage experience this year with Splinter Cell Conviction because the title is being taken "back to the drawing board" by Ubisoft Montreal.

Well, this is according to a report in the latest issue of Xbox World 360 magazine anyways. As of now, Ubisoft hasn't officially released word on the state of the latest installment of the Splinter Cell title; however, the magazine is saying that it heard the title will now be ready for holiday season 2009 or as late as Spring 2010.

Splinter Cell Conviction has been development for a number of years, and was supposed to be the Metal Gear killer for Microsoft. According to XBW 360, it's probable that Conviction has simply become outdated by more recent Ubisoft titles, namely Assassin's Creed.

Luckily, Ubisoft's UbiDays event is due to take place in Paris next week, so we can hope for some concrete details surrounding this missing gem. Until then, get jealous of PS3 owners and Metal Gear Solid 4, because you're in for a long wait.


Developers of Killzone 2 confirm that delay to early 2009 was due to scheduling rather than any delays in the actual development problem. This would seem to ring pretty hollow IMO. If a game is 'all that', it doesn't matter how much competition there is. It will sell.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/05/19/scea-judges-day-killzone-2-interview/#comments

[Big Fo]

From kotaku.com -

Nintendo: Wii Has Highest Software Sales for First 18 Months

More games were purchased in the first 18 months of the Wii's life than any other console's first year and a half, Nintendo said today.

About 50 million games were sold for the Wii in its first 18 months, compared to about 42 million games in the first 18 months of the Playstation 2's life. The Xbox 360 came in at 30 million or so, the Xbox at roughly 28 million and finally the Playstation 3 at about 20 million.

Speaking to a gathering at the Electronic Gaming Summit, Cammie Dunaway, executive video president of sales and marketing for Nintendo of America, Dunaway used the numbers to launch into a talk about Nintendo's strategy for expanding the market.

Dunaway also showed a chart plotting out the first 18 months of each console's life. According to the chart, about 9.5 million Wii were sold in the first 18 months, 8.5 million PS2, 5.4 million Xbox 360, 5.2 million Xbox and 4.2 Playstation 3.

"While we appreciate the impact the Playstation 2 had on sales and the industry, perhaps we are even more impactful," Dunaway said, adding that there wasn't a single month in the Wii's first year and a half when Nintendo could meet demand.

Update: I just clarified with Nintendo: Those software sales numbers only include boxed games sold at retail and not virtual console or Wii Sports.

From those totals here's the tie-ratios for the first 18 months of each console:

Tie Ratio:
360: 5.77
Wii: 5.26
PS2: 4.94
PS3: 4.76

[MJ4H]

9.5 million Wii were sold in the first 18 months. Haha so I guess Wii is already plural!

I declare rulez.

[Big Fo]

Best selling games on the various platforms this month:

Top 20 Video Game Titles

1. Grand Theft Auto IV* (Xbox 360)
2. Mario Kart Wii (Wii)
3. Grand Theft Auto IV* (PS3)
4. Wii Play w/ Remote (Wii)
5. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)
6. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue (PS3)
7. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness (NDS)
8. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time (NDS)
9. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Wii)
10. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare* (Xbox 360)
11. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (PSP)
12. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2* (Xbox 360)
13. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 (PS2)
14. Game Party (Wii)
15. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock* (PS2)
16. New Super Mario Bros. (NDS)
17. Mario Kart DS (NDS)
18. Rock Band* (Xbox 360)
19. Mario Party DS (NDS)
20. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)

Top 10 Wii Titles

1. Mario Kart Wii
2. Wii Play w/ Remote
3. Super Smash Bros. Brawl
4. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
5. Game Party
6. Super Mario Galaxy
7. Mario and Sonic: Olympic Games
8. Carnival Games
9. Mario Party 8
10. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08

Top Xbox 360 Titles

1. Grand Theft Auto IV*
2. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare*
3. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2
4. Rock Band*
5. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock*
6. Army of Two
7. Major League Baseball 2K8
8. Halo 3*
9. Iron Man
10. Assassin's Creed*

Top PS2 Titles

1. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3
2. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock*
3. MLB '08: The Show
4. God of War II
5. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3
6. Rock Band*
7. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
8. Metal Gear Solid: Essential Collection
9. Iron Man
10. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy

Top 10 PS3 Titles

1. Grand Theft Auto IV*
2. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue
3. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
4. MLB '08: The Show
5. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2*
6. Rock Band*
7. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock*
8. Army of Two
9. Assassin's Creed*
10. Iron Man

Top 10 NDS Titles

1. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness
2. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time
3. New Super Mario Bros.
4. Mario Kart DS
5. Mario Party DS
6. Mario and Sonic: Olympic Games
7. Imagine: Babyz
8. Pokemon Diamond Version
9. The World Ends With You
10. Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day

Top 10 PSP Titles

1. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
4. MLB '08: The Show
5. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
6. Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
7. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
8. Patapon
9. Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City
10. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas

* Includes Collector's, Limited, Legendary, and bundled editions

Imagine: Babyz outsold The World Ends With You. Weak.

[Cringer]

My life is fine as long as the PS3 and 360 do well enough for the good games to keep coming out on them, so I am not stuck with only the Wiicrap.

[Dekanth]

I just bought a 360, my first console in about 4-5 years. I picked up GTA4 and 3 older games for 20 bucks each: MLB 2k7, Project Gotham Racing 3 and NCAA football 2007 (last year's version). What other classics can I pick up on the cheap that are great?

[Eaglesfan27]

I just bought a 360, my first console in about 4-5 years. I picked up GTA4 and 3 older games for 20 bucks each: MLB 2k7, Project Gotham Racing 3 and NCAA football 2007 (last year's version). What other classics can I pick up on the cheap that are great?

College Hoops 2k8. Best console sports game of the past year and it is now available at many places for under 20 dollars (14 at several places.)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

From those totals here's the tie-ratios for the first 18 months of each console:

Tie Ratio:
360: 5.77
Wii: 5.26
PS2: 4.94
PS3: 4.76

That 360 number is a bit surprising. It had been running between 6-7 for some time. The Wii and PS3 are right about where you expect them to be given that they came a year after the 360. The PS3 is going to run low until they can start moving more budget titles into the system. The Wii games have a pricing advantage of $10-20 over the 360/PS3. 360 has the advantage of a larger library due to the extra year in addition to more budget titles for new adopters. Dekanth's post above is a perfect example of how new purchasers snap up the old budget titles.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Infinite Discovery HD trailer is out. Game will be released September 2nd in the States and September 5th in Europe. It'll be interesting to see how well it sells in the U.S........

http://www.gametrailers.com/game/5501.html

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

College Hoops 2k8. Best console sports game of the past year and it is now available at many places for under 20 dollars (14 at several places.)

NBA 2K8 is pretty good as well. Saw it priced at $10 at Target the other day, though I don't know if that was temporary or permanent.

[Neon_Chaos]

I've been playing 2k8 at a friend's. I love it. Can't wait to get my own PS3.

[Eaglesfan27]

NBA 2K8 is pretty good as well. Saw it priced at $10 at Target the other day, though I don't know if that was temporary or permanent.

Agreed. Both are excellent games, but if I had to pick just one, I prefer College Hoop's gameplay.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Agreed. Both are excellent games, but if I had to pick just one, I prefer College Hoop's gameplay.

Yep, I'm obviously a big college b-ball fan, so I'd choose it over the NBA game as well. I think there's more stuff to do in the college game.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like the Bioshock to PS3 rumors were correct. A magazine in Europe has published the first screenshots of Bioshock for the PS3. It's expected to be released this fall.

http://www.gamereactor.se/nyheter/13958/Gamereactor+%2358%2C+omslaget/

Rumors also persist that Bioshock 2 will be a simultaneous release on the PS3/360 sometime next year.

[Big Fo]

That 360 number is a bit surprising. It had been running between 6-7 for some time. The Wii and PS3 are right about where you expect them to be given that they came a year after the 360. The PS3 is going to run low until they can start moving more budget titles into the system. The Wii games have a pricing advantage of $10-20 over the 360/PS3. 360 has the advantage of a larger library due to the extra year in addition to more budget titles for new adopters. Dekanth's post above is a perfect example of how new purchasers snap up the old budget titles.

I think the 360 number is still around 7, this is just for the first 18 months of all four consoles, negating the head start of one year the 360 had.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, that one is similar to the IGN review. I've also seen a 6, 8, and 9 for the game. Judging from what I saw on the demo and from what I've heard from those who have already played it, sounds like a 6 or so is just about right. As I said, an average game. It's a shame, but everyone knew it wasn't going to be a very good game. There were far too many question marks. I think the developers just finally reached the point where they just decided to release it and move on to other things because it wasn't getting any better.

Where are your 8 and 9's? Gamerankings has 13 reviews up and the highest is a 6.5. Most are much lower with the tone bashing the game worse than the score. The average score is 57% which is pretty bad on gamerankings. Metacritic has a lower score. The highest reviews are from PS3 magazines.

[KWhit]

That 360 number is a bit surprising. It had been running between 6-7 for some time. The Wii and PS3 are right about where you expect them to be given that they came a year after the 360. The PS3 is going to run low until they can start moving more budget titles into the system. The Wii games have a pricing advantage of $10-20 over the 360/PS3. 360 has the advantage of a larger library due to the extra year in addition to more budget titles for new adopters. Dekanth's post above is a perfect example of how new purchasers snap up the old budget titles.

How interesting that you poo-poo this as being due to the 360's head start and extra year.

This is the attach rate for the first 18 months of the console's lives - the head start had NOTHING to do with this. No way to spin this one - the 360's attach rate killed the PS3's over the same time period relative to the console's release date.

[sterlingice]

I was disappointed in my purchase after the 12-month mark. I just hadn't seen quality games that I thought I would enjoy.

But over the past six months that's completely turned around. Some genres are still pretty weak, though, so I'd definitely take a look at the games available for the Wii if you tend to play games in only one or two genres.

If you like a lot of different genres or if you like innovative gameplay, then I think you'll be very happy with the purchase.

Being one of the resident Nintendo fanboys, I'm sure I'd be happy with the purchase. It's more about exercising a little fiscal restraint and one of those "do I get it now or later" not "do I get it at all".

SI

[sterlingice]

Best selling games on the various platforms this month:



Imagine: Babyz outsold The World Ends With You. Weak.

Those NDS numbers are very disappointing for TWEWY. Look at the list. A pair of Pokemon games not even part of the real franchise lead the pack- that's acceptable. But then, after that, you have some games that have been out a long time (MKDS and NSMB) and it's not as if there was a sudden boom of DS buying so you know those numbers are low.

SI

[Big Fo]

Those NDS numbers are very disappointing for TWEWY. Look at the list. A pair of Pokemon games not even part of the real franchise lead the pack- that's acceptable. But then, after that, you have some games that have been out a long time (MKDS and NSMB) and it's not as if there was a sudden boom of DS buying so you know those numbers are low.

SI

The game sold 45,000 for the month, so part of that is just how well those particular titles sell months/years after coming out. I still wish it did better, I'm about halfway through the game and really enjoying it.

I just don't think Square-Enix pricing their DS games at $40 does them any favors, when most other games are $30 (with the occasional big Nintendo $35 game like Phantom Hourglass or Pokemon). People might pay the premium when Final Fantasy is written on the box but maybe not so much for a new IP.

In loosely-related news Square-Enix will be bringing over the Dragon Quest 4, 5, and 6 remakes, which is great news for me since I haven't played any of them but am a big fan of Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker and DQ8.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3167915

[sterlingice]

If I'm not mistaken, that will be the first time those of us stateside can get our hands on DQ 5 and 6. I played thru 1-3 when they came out for the Gameboy and they were good enough remakes. Better balance of the game, same basic story and plot, and a good translation (by the Pokemon translator).

SI

[Bee]

How interesting that you poo-poo this as being due to the 360's head start and extra year.

This is the attach rate for the first 18 months of the console's lives - the head start had NOTHING to do with this. No way to spin this one - the 360's attach rate killed the PS3's over the same time period relative to the console's release date.

I would think that the 360 being the first to be released would get the advantage of less competition. With the PS3 and Wii, you have people who own mulitple consoles and when new games come out their purchases are spread out over the various consoles. With the 360, they had a period of time where they didn't have the same competition for the gaming dollars and so there would have been a higher attachment rate because of lack of competition.

I need to sit down now because my head hurts from spinning. ;)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I would think that the 360 being the first to be released would get the advantage of less competition. With the PS3 and Wii, you have people who own mulitple consoles and when new games come out their purchases are spread out over the various consoles. With the 360, they had a period of time where they didn't have the same competition for the gaming dollars and so there would have been a higher attachment rate because of lack of competition.

I need to sit down now because my head hurts from spinning. ;)

Not even that so much. The 360 has a lot of good games that are much cheaper than the PS3/Wii games. As I mentioned, Dekanth's post where he said that he picked up one full priced title along with 3 budget titles is a great example of the advantage that the 360 holds over the other two consoles right now. Attach rate is not a price-conscious measure of sales. $10-20 games count just the same as $60 games. It's a simple fact that new console adopters are going to love the fact that they can get 2-3 games of good quality (Gears of War, Bioshock, Mass Effect, Halo 3 to name a few) for the same price as one full-priced title. That advantage will be somewhat negated as the PS3/Wii libraries grow, but there's no question that the head-start by the 360 gives it an advantage in that regard. The head-start definitely affects attach rate. People love cheap games. That's not spin, that's a fact.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Analyst discusses projected sales numbers for consoles in this generation..........

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-9948454-52.html

No spring 2008 dashboard update for XBL. Microsoft to de-list XBL games that have lower than a 65% Metacritic score and have less than a 6% conversion rate. Quite a bit of angst over this by gamers as the point of XBL Marketplace was that unlimited shelf space was available. Gamers who have purchased these games and lose them during repairs will not be able to re-download them as they will not be available on XBL anymore.

MS also hopes to finally resolve the DRM issues where players must be connected to the internet to play certain games.

http://next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10620&Itemid=2

[gstelmack]

Not even that so much. The 360 has a lot of good games that are much cheaper than the PS3/Wii games. As I mentioned, Dekanth's post where he said that he picked up one full priced title along with 3 budget titles is a great example of the advantage that the 360 holds over the other two consoles right now.

And once again you miss the point that the article compared the first 18 months of the 360 vs the first 18 months of the Wii vs the first 18 months of the PS3, not the last 18 calendar months...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

And once again you miss the point that the article compared the first 18 months of the 360 vs the first 18 months of the Wii vs the first 18 months of the PS3, not the last 18 calendar months...

And once again........you're right. :D

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Great deal for those looking for a PS3. From June 1st through June 7th, Wal-Mart is offering a $100 gift card with any PS3 purchase. So you can pick up a 2nd controller and a full priced game with the gift card for the same price as you would normally pay for just a system with one controller.

[Cringer]

Great deal for those looking for a PS3. From June 1st through June 7th, Wal-Mart is offering a $100 gift card with any PS3 purchase. So you can pick up a 2nd controller and a full priced game with the gift card for the same price as you would normally pay for just a system with one controller.

And is that whole window BEFORE the 80GB is back on the market?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

And is that whole window BEFORE the 80GB is back on the market?

Yep. My guess is that they're trying to clear some 40 GB before the other one comes out. 40 GB isn't going to sell particularly well for a few months after that.

[Cringer]

Oh, well that sucks. Nevermind that offer then.

[MikeVic]

Great deal for those looking for a PS3. From June 1st through June 7th, Wal-Mart is offering a $100 gift card with any PS3 purchase. So you can pick up a 2nd controller and a full priced game with the gift card for the same price as you would normally pay for just a system with one controller.

Link? Is this for the U.S. only?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Link? Is this for the U.S. only?

Yes, it's in the circular ad which comes out in the Sunday papers nationwide. Perhaps Canada may have one too, but the scanned ad being circulated is for U.S. Wal-Marts.

[Atocep]

Looks like the Bioshock to PS3 rumors were correct. A magazine in Europe has published the first screenshots of Bioshock for the PS3. It's expected to be released this fall.

http://www.gamereactor.se/nyheter/13958/Gamereactor+%2358%2C+omslaget/

Rumors also persist that Bioshock 2 will be a simultaneous release on the PS3/360 sometime next year.


http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2008/20080523.jpg

[Big Fo]

(Penny Arcade cartoon)

Nice one :D

If the simultaneous release for the sequel actually occurs I'll be rather surprised that Microsoft didn't bust out the moneyhats to secure exclusivity/timed-exclusivity.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Nice one :D

If the simultaneous release for the sequel actually occurs I'll be rather surprised that Microsoft didn't bust out the moneyhats to secure exclusivity/timed-exclusivity.

Agreed. Microsoft has to be losing their head to allow the sequels to Mass Effect and Bioshock to both get away in the space of roughly 45 days. I'm guessing that some of this has to do with the multiplatform success of GTA IV. Developers are seeing dollar signs and most exclusives will likely only come from first-party owned developers at this point. That's not a good sign for Microsoft, as Nintendo and Sony both have much stronger in-house development.

I assume that Penny Arcade is referring to the blind fanboy loyalty on the more childish message boards. I haven't seen a criticism of Bioshock on this board at all.

[Eaglesfan27]

Heh, if 3rd party developers start going for the dollar signs (when haven't they?), it is also bad news for Sony as Square recently stated in an interview that they need to broaden their sales overseas (presumably referring to the USA) and their market in general. Maybe FFXIII will only be a timed exclusive after all.

[Big Fo]

Agreed. Microsoft has to be losing their head to allow the sequels to Mass Effect and Bioshock to both get away in the space of roughly 45 days. I'm guessing that some of this has to do with the multiplatform success of GTA IV. Developers are seeing dollar signs and most exclusives will likely only come from first-party owned developers at this point. That's not a good sign for Microsoft, as Nintendo and Sony both have much stronger in-house development.

I assume that Penny Arcade is referring to the blind fanboy loyalty on the more childish message boards. I haven't seen a criticism of Bioshock on this board at all.

Yeah I was laughing due to Sony-fans on other boards, not this one.

And actually Bioshock hasn't received anywhere near the kind of backlash that other critically acclaimed and commercially successful games like Halo 3 and Super Smash Bros. Brawl have in my experience. Even most people who feel that the game was somewhat overrated (myself included) tend to think it was at least pretty good.

[Philliesfan980]

Is it hard to find a 80 Gig these days?

[Big Fo]

I believe so, unless you want to buy used/refurbished.

A new 80 GB PS3 bundle (comes with the updated rumble controller and Metal Gear Solid 4) comes out on June 12.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Heh, if 3rd party developers start going for the dollar signs (when haven't they?), it is also bad news for Sony as Square recently stated in an interview that they need to broaden their sales overseas (presumably referring to the USA) and their market in general. Maybe FFXIII will only be a timed exclusive after all.

I think you missed my point. There's no question that each console would lose a few franchises here and there, but Sony and Nintendo both have the in-house development that would allow for numerous first party exclusives. Microsoft can't compete with the other two in regards to primary development in-house. It would create significant competitive advantages for Sony and Nintendo.

Also, I'd mention that HOW the developers are going for the money has changed. In the past 8-10 years, the third party developers often went for the money in the form of exclusive payouts from one console. The money was guaranteed, so they jumped all over that. They're now realizing that although up-front payouts are guaranteed, they could be sacrificing significant sales overall in any exclusive form.

I know that you're enjoying stoking the rumor fire by mentioning that FFXIII will be a timed exclusive, but that's simply not even close to true. FFXIII and FFXIII Versus will both be full PS3 exclusives and there's been no information whatsoever to indicate otherwise.

[Eaglesfan27]

You seriously overestimate Sony's 1st party success. Nintendo has by far the best first party development. What is Sony's biggest in-house hit? The Show? SOCOM? Microsoft's 1st party support isn't behind Sony's in star power with Halo and Gears of War 2. Also, isn't Fable2's developing studio owned by MS?

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Here is another article that details Square's previous statements about wanting to expand their market and also discusses their income being down. The article also states that Square has dated Infinite Undiscovery, an exclusive (timed?) 360 RPG, for September 2. Square also says this is the first in a line of games they will be releasing for the 360, yet they only have 1 other game announced for the 360 at this point.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6191525.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3

[General Mike]

You seriously overestimate Sony's 1st party success. Nintendo has by far the best first party development. What is Sony's biggest in-house hit? The Show? SOCOM? Microsoft's 1st party support isn't behind Sony's in star power with Halo and Gears of War 2. Also, isn't Fable2's developing studio owned by MS?

Gran Turismo and God of War are Sony's biggest first party games. The fact that GT hasn't gotten a proper release on the PS3, and God of War 3 is a year off, don't help.

[Eaglesfan27]

Gran Turismo and God of War are Sony's biggest first party games. The fact that GT hasn't gotten a proper release on the PS3, and God of War 3 is a year off, don't help.

I forgot about those 2, I guess because they haven't been released yet. Thanks. :)

[Philliesfan980]

I believe so, unless you want to buy used/refurbished.

A new 80 GB PS3 bundle (comes with the updated rumble controller and Metal Gear Solid 4) comes out on June 12.

Thanks for the info. Do you know how much this bundle will be?

Anyone ever get a refurbished 80 gig model? As with anything used, I understand YMMV, but was hoping to hear a first hand experience. Because of MLB the Show, the blu-ray player, and the fact that the latest firmware will allow me to play divx/xvid files (as well as most other major codec files) I think I'm ready to jump. A refurbished model at gamestop is currently going for $449.

[Big Fo]

Sony first-party franchises that have been released on the PS3 and/or have an announced release (perhaps not an exhaustive list):

Gran Turismo
God of War
Ratchet and Clank
Resistance
Killzone
LittleBigPlanet
SOCOM
MLB The Show
whatever their average NBA series is called
Hot Shots Golf
WipeOut
SingStar
BUZZ!
Warhawk
Uncharted
whatever Team ICO is working on
Twisted Metal (rumored iirc)

Microsoft first-party franchises that have been released on the PS3 and/or have an announced release (perhaps not an exhaustive list):

Halo (Halo 3, Halo Wars, Halo Chronicles, eventual Halo 4, etc.)
Gears of War
Ninja Gaiden
Fable 2
Viva Pinata
Banjo-Kazooie
Scene-It?
Perfect Dark
Project Gotham Racing (developer has since left Microsoft but MS still holds the name)
Mistwalker RPGs (Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey)
Mass Effect (sequel going multiplatform?)
Alan Wake
Too Human
Forza Motorsports
Kameo

I'd certainly take Sony's first-party stuff over Microsoft's but it might not be that much better for most people. Then again I don't enjoy dual-analog shooters so Resistance, SOCOM, Killzone, Perfect Dark, Gears, Halo, etc. mean nothing to me.

And just for the hell of it, Nintendo's first-party stuff (probably not an exhaustive list):

Wii _______ (Sports, Play, Music, Motorsports?)
EXCITE ______ (Bike, Truck)
Super Mario series
Paper Mario series
Mario Sports (soccer already out, baseball is coming, basketball was on the DS, tennis and golf games appeared on the Gamecube and portables, they have to be coming sometime)
Mario Party
Mario Kart
Dr. Mario (lol enough Mario games yet?)
Legend of Zelda
WarioWare
Brain Age, Big Brain Academy, etc.
Pokemon (mostly a handheld thing but the Wii did get that crappy Pokemon Battle Revolution game)
Metriod
Donkey Kong
Advance Wars/Battalion Wars
Endless Ocean
Fire Emblem
Super Smash Bros.
Wii Chess (out in Europe, sounds like a terrible product, play for free on the net or get Chessmaster on your PC/DS)

These four are unannounced in the West but were on Nintendo's official earnings report for this year in Japan:

Fatal Frame IV to be published by Nintendo
Disaster: Day of Crisis
Kirby
Animal Crossing

Not yet announced but you figure at least some of these are coming because Nintendo hasn't officially announced anything other than Mario Super Sluggers for the latter half of the year:

Pikmin
StarFox
F-Zero
1080 Snowboarding
Punch-Out!
WaveRace
Kid Icarus (lots of rumors this one is in development)

Then there's various stuff from the portables that I don't see getting a Wii release unless it's WiiWare like Picross and Tetris.

So it's all rather subjective but for me:

Nintendo first-party >>>>>> Sony first-party >> Microsoft first-party

Hopefully all three companies announce some cool stuff at E3 since none of the consoles have that many potentially great games coming out in the latter-half of the year.

Thanks for the info. Do you know how much this bundle will be?

$500. Personally I'd suggest waiting for the bundle to come out instead of saving $50 buying a refurbished unit unless you have zero interest in Metal Gear Solid 4.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sony first-party franchises that have been released on the PS3 and/or have an announced release (perhaps not an exhaustive list):

Gran Turismo
God of War
Ratchet and Clank
Resistance
Killzone
LittleBigPlanet
SOCOM
MLB The Show
whatever their average NBA series is called
Hot Shots Golf
WipeOut
SingStar
BUZZ!
Warhawk
Uncharted
whatever Team ICO is working on
Twisted Metal (rumored iirc)

Microsoft first-party franchises that have been released on the PS3 and/or have an announced release (perhaps not an exhaustive list):

Halo (Halo 3, Halo Wars, Halo Chronicles, eventual Halo 4, etc.)
Gears of War
Ninja Gaiden
Fable 2
Viva Pinata
Banjo-Kazooie
Scene-It?
Perfect Dark
Project Gotham Racing (developer has since left Microsoft but MS still holds the name)
Mistwalker RPGs (Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey)
Mass Effect (sequel going multiplatform?)
Alan Wake
Too Human
Forza Motorsports
Kameo

I'd certainly take Sony's first-party stuff over Microsoft's but it might not be that much better for most people. Then again I don't enjoy dual-analog shooters so Resistance, SOCOM, Killzone, Perfect Dark, Gears, Halo, etc. mean nothing to me.

Obviously, Ninja Gaiden and Mass Effect do not belong in that list. Also, given that the Ninja Gaiden Xbox and PS3 version of the game sold a combined 400K units, it's not exactly a big seller. Out of the games that were listed under Microsoft, you've basically got two shooters (Halo, GOW) and two racers (PGR and Forza) and the rest of the franchises have pretty low sales figures. It's certainly not anywhere as diverse of a portfolio as Sony has in-house.

Here's the series numbers over 2.5M for the 360 franchises:

Halo - 22M
PGR - 6M
Gears of War - 5.7M
Forza - 5M
Fable - 2.5M

Here are the series numbers over 2.5M for the PS3 franchises:

GT - 50M
Twisted Metal - 8.5M
SOCOM - 8.5M
Ratchet and Clank - 8M
Singstar - 8M
Hot Shots Golf - 6M
Motorstorm - 3.5M
Resistance - 3M
Buzz! - 3M

[MJ4H]

I tried the demo of the new Ninja Gaiden game on DS yesterday and it was awesome.

[Big Fo]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Mr_XYZ/wiigiveaway.gif

Just saw this while browsing neoGAF, the reactions are hilarious. Everyone in the audience for Ellen's talk show got a Wii and Wii Fit.

I tried the demo of the new Ninja Gaiden game on DS yesterday and it was awesome.

I've been meaning to try that game, heard mostly good things about it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting numbers that may eventually have an effect on the console market. Blu-ray player stand-alone sales will surpass DVD player sales in August 2008 according to retailers. Some retailers are already reporting that Blu-ray player demand now exceeds DVD player demand. Also, revenue from Blu-ray players now has surpassed DVD player revenue, which is usually a key indicator for companies to shift to the more profitable option.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/blu052608.htm

[wade moore]

If Netflix indeed gets a deal with M$/Sony to do their streaming there - I wonder if that has an immediate impact on Blu-Ray.

I know it will for me.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

If Netflix indeed gets a deal with M$/Sony to do their streaming there - I wonder if that has an immediate impact on Blu-Ray.

I know it will for me.

The problems that have been discussed numerous times before are that....

-Streaming compressed HD is not the same as uncompressed HD movies on a disc. Big difference in quality, both visual and audio.
-Most consumers do not have an internet connection that's fast enough to stream even compressed HD movies without significant quality issues.

Promises and reality as far as what Sony and Microsoft can deliver on their consoles in regards to streaming media are still miles apart.

[BrianD]

Interesting numbers that may eventually have an effect on the console market. Blu-ray player stand-alone sales will surpass DVD player sales in August 2008 according to retailers. Some retailers are already reporting that Blu-ray player demand now exceeds DVD player demand. Also, revenue from Blu-ray players now has surpassed DVD player revenue, which is usually a key indicator for companies to shift to the more profitable option.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/blu052608.htm

Once again I question the "analysis" done in this article. Blu-Ray sales dropped 40% from January to February, and then rose 2% from February to March. That means Blu-Ray players will outsell DVD players by August? The article also claims low sales due to poor supply...which seems like the new marketing trend lately. The analysts may be working off of more numbers in the background which give credence to their predictions, but I'd really like to see them in the article.

[wade moore]

The problems that have been discussed numerous times before are that....

-Streaming compressed HD is not the same as uncompressed HD movies on a disc. Big difference in quality, both visual and audio.
-Most consumers do not have an internet connection that's fast enough to stream even compressed HD movies without significant quality issues.

Promises and reality as far as what Sony and Microsoft can deliver on their consoles in regards to streaming media are still miles apart.

1. I think you overestimate how much the general consuming public cares about compressed vs. uncompressed. Videophiles, yes - general public - not so much.

2. I'm sure they have a caching system that deals with this. They are going to plan to have a way that a regular old cable connection will be just fine.

Anyway. Yeah, the quality is certainly a concern. But if Netflix just adds it on to your current subscription it's a no-brainer for me.

Hell, you should see the TV I'm watching now - I use low quality on my regular old-Tivo.

But, the HD TV comes soon and it's all over after that ;).

[BrianD]

The problems that have been discussed numerous times before are that....

-Streaming compressed HD is not the same as uncompressed HD movies on a disc. Big difference in quality, both visual and audio.
-Most consumers do not have an internet connection that's fast enough to stream even compressed HD movies without significant quality issues.

Promises and reality as far as what Sony and Microsoft can deliver on their consoles in regards to streaming media are still miles apart.

I still maintain that streaming HD is not necessary. Not every competition is based on exactly duplicate feature sets. Blu-Ray will be much prettier than streaming movies, but streaming movies will be a lot more convenient. There are plenty of potential pitfalls to the streaming movie model, but I believe focusing only on picture quality to be a mistake.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Once again I question the "analysis" done in this article. Blu-Ray sales dropped 40% from January to February, and then rose 2% from February to March. That means Blu-Ray players will outsell DVD players by August? The article also claims low sales due to poor supply...which seems like the new marketing trend lately. The analysts may be working off of more numbers in the background which give credence to their predictions, but I'd really like to see them in the article.

To be fair, I think it has to do with the fall in DVD player demand more than anything. I'm not sure that there's many people that don't own a DVD player at this point. Also, the manufacturers and studios are really going to be pressing the new media/players at this point. The profit margin in Blu-ray is MUCH greater. It's in their best financial interests to move to Blu-ray media as quickly as possible.

Also, as mentioned, those numbers do not include PS3 numbers, which are a substantial portion of BR players sales. While stand-alone player sales fell during that time, PS3 saw a substantial boost in sales which was probably more than just a coincedence.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yeah, the quality is certainly a concern. But if Netflix just adds it on to your current subscription it's a no-brainer for me.

Hell, you should see the TV I'm watching now - I use low quality on my regular old-Tivo.

But, the HD TV comes soon and it's all over after that ;).

First, it won't be just an add-on to your current subscription. Netflix and Blockbuster are charging extra per month for customers who get Blu-ray movies. You can be sure that streaming HD content is likely to be a similar upgrade in subscription price. Nothing comes free. :)

As far as TIVO, I'm assuming you're going to upgrade in the form of a TIVO HD DVR or cable box HD DVR. It's a whole new game when you bring in the fancy TV. :)

FYI.....If you have a lifetime subscription on your current TIVO, you can get that transferred to a HD box for a fee. I did it and it was a pretty good deal.

[wade moore]

First, it won't be just an add-on to your current subscription. Netflix and Blockbuster are charging extra per month for customers who get Blu-ray movies. You can be sure that streaming HD content is likely to be a similar upgrade in subscription price. Nothing comes free. :)

As far as TIVO, I'm assuming you're going to upgrade in the form of a TIVO HD DVR or cable box HD DVR. It's a whole new game when you bring in the fancy TV. :)

FYI.....If you have a lifetime subscription on your current TIVO, you can get that transferred to a HD box for a fee. I did it and it was a pretty good deal.

Well, the $100 Netflix box is no additional charge to stream. HD may be additional, but as you said - Blu-Ray would be too so it's a wash.

Yeah. I'm going to give the Cox HD DVR a try. If I absolutely hate it I'll get a Series 3 Tivo and transfer my lifetime subscription. But the cost to try out Cox is so low that it seems stupid not to see how it is.

[BrianD]

To be fair, I think it has to do with the fall in DVD player demand more than anything. I'm not sure that there's many people that don't own a DVD player at this point. Also, the manufacturers and studios are really going to be pressing the new media/players at this point. The profit margin in Blu-ray is MUCH greater. It's in their best financial interests to move to Blu-ray media as quickly as possible.

I'm sure manufacturers would love to push Blu-Ray to get their profits, but they are going to have to be careful with that. The easiest way to push Blu-Ray is to shift shelf space from DVD movies to Blu-Ray movies...give people the idea that they have no choice but to make the inevitable shift to Blu-Ray. The tricky part is not upsetting people that have multiple DVD players and lots of movies into thinking that their movie format is going to be obsolete. If consumers get that idea, they may look a bit harder at the streaming formats.

[Eaglesfan27]

1. I think you overestimate how much the general consuming public cares about compressed vs. uncompressed. Videophiles, yes - general public - not so much.

2. I'm sure they have a caching system that deals with this. They are going to plan to have a way that a regular old cable connection will be just fine.

Anyway. Yeah, the quality is certainly a concern. But if Netflix just adds it on to your current subscription it's a no-brainer for me.

Hell, you should see the TV I'm watching now - I use low quality on my regular old-Tivo.

But, the HD TV comes soon and it's all over after that ;).

Agreed with point 1. I know many people who are amazed at how good HD over the Sat looks and don't care to upgrade to Blu Ray. I'm a videophile, so I probably will upgrade in the future.

Also, agreed with point 2. DirecTV is offering on demand HD offerings now. They use caching and while you have to wait about 20-30 minutes to start watching your movie, it's not a bad deal at all. :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like a surprise release on the PS3 may be imminent. A few days ago, there were rumors of an impending release of "Afrika" in Japan on August 28th........

http://www.siliconera.com/2008/05/23/will-ps3-owners-discover-afrika-in-august/

Now there's a teaser site up for the game which may lend credence to that rumor........

http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/afrika/

In other news, here's an article discussing the upcoming "Rise of the Argonauts" action RPG game for PS3/360............

http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/riseoftheargonauts/news.html?sid=6191526

[Eaglesfan27]

I've been posting a lot of stuff about/from OS the last few months as I have been reading their site more than usual, lately. Today, they posted an interesting article about the appeal of text sims. Always nice to see some positive writing about the genre on other sites:

http://www.operationsports.com/feature.php?id=491

[sabotai]

I've been posting a lot of stuff about/from OS the last few months as I have been reading their site more than usual, lately. Today, they posted an interesting article about the appeal of text sims. Always nice to see some positive writing about the genre on other sites:

http://www.operationsports.com/feature.php?id=491

That's the 2nd or 3rd article they've written on text sims in the last few weeks. Not use if that's a new trend for them or if they generally do 1 a week on them (I don't frequent the site all that much).

[Big Fo]

I can't wait for the first text-sim to crack the charts (if I could routinely find the PC top 10 that is...) like Football Manager does in the UK, that will be the best monthly sales thread ever.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting article here discusses how Europe has now passed Asia in gaming market size. Given that some of the European countries still are in their market infancy when compared to the more mature American and Asian markets, there's room for explosive growth in Europe. It's the reason why Microsoft said they had to win Europe this year, but Sony is quickly gaining the upper hand in overall European console sales.

http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=52505

[Neon_Chaos]

I did a final canvas before I'm going off to buy my PS3 this coming weekend.

Finally found a good package. About P22,000 inclusive of tax.

Which boils down to $500.

PS3 40 Gig, 2 Controllers, NBA 2k8 and GTA IV.

I'm getting giddy. :D

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I did a final canvas before I'm going off to buy my PS3 this coming weekend.

Finally found a good package. About P22,000 inclusive of tax.

Which boils down to $500.

PS3 40 Gig, 2 Controllers, NBA 2k8 and GTA IV.

I'm getting giddy. :D

Are the controllers DualShock? It's well-worth the extra few bucks to get the DualShock controllers if they're available.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Amazon 50% off BR movies going on right now. I picked up '300' and a couple of horror flicks. Guess I had a bloodlust last night...........

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&plgroup=1&docId=1000233361&plpage=1&tag=bluraynews-20

[Neon_Chaos]

Are the controllers DualShock? It's well-worth the extra few bucks to get the DualShock controllers if they're available.

DS3-Sixaxis.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

DS3-Sixaxis.

Wow. Sounds like a pretty good deal.

[dervack]

Just a note, Netflix does not charge me extra for blu-ray movies.

[Neuqua]

Just a note, Netflix does not charge me extra for blu-ray movies.

To my knowledge, they don't charge anybody extra for blu-ray. It has moreso just been a rumor up until now.

[dervack]

To my knowledge, they don't charge anybody extra for blu-ray. It has moreso just been a rumor up until now.
Oh ok. Well, Mizzou B-Ball fan was reporting it as fact.

[RainMaker]

To my knowledge, they don't charge anybody extra for blu-ray. It has moreso just been a rumor up until now.
Netflix announced it on a conference call with investors a little while back. It's a fact, not a rumor.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The much anticipated 2.40 firmware update for the PS3 is finally on the way. Really happy to see that they included even more features than were originally anticipated. Update includes in-game XMB, universal friend lists, trophies, and custom soundtracks..........

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

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Oh ok. Well, Mizzou B-Ball fan was reporting it as fact.

Here's the information about the Blu-ray changes at Netflix.

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9924836-1.html

Netflix to charge more for Blu-ray subscriptions
Posted by Matthew Moskovciak

(Credit: CNET)Bad news today for home theater fans: Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said on a conference call that because Blu-ray discs cost more to purchase, the company plans on charging a premium on accounts that rent Blu-ray movies. Hastings said "consumers are used to paying more for high-definition," but with Blu-ray renters making up only a small percentage of Netflix subscribers, this certainly won't help spur adoption.

Previous to this announcement, videophiles have pretty much gotten a free-ride on renting higher-priced high-definition media, as Netflix offered both HD DVDs and Blu-ray discs to subscribers for no additional charge over a standard subscription--until Netflix stopped offering HD DVDs in February. Netflix continues to offer the ability to watch some movies online ("Watch Now") at no additional charge, but the selection is still pretty limited at this point (check out our hands-on from last year).

[Eaglesfan27]

A sony exec supports what Troy, I, and others were saying for a long time. The PS3 launch was seriously F'd up and he said the PS3 "was on life support for awhile." Of course, he went on to talk about how good the PS3 is doing now:

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/ps3-was-on-life-support-admits-sony-ceo/

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

A sony exec supports what Troy, I, and others were saying for a long time. The PS3 launch was seriously F'd up and he said the PS3 "was on life support for awhile." Of course, he went on to talk about how good the PS3 is doing now:

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/ps3-was-on-life-support-admits-sony-ceo/

That was a no-brainer. I've blasted the Sony brass several times in these threads for the handling of the release and their stupid PR statements in Europe where they claimed that hardware shortages were to blame for their low sales numbers while the 360 was building a substantial installed base in the UK and U.S.

Ironically, the roles are now reversed over the first few months of 2008. Sony is now making headway in Europe and North America with the big MGS4 release just over a week away. Meanwhile, Microsoft executives Shane Kim and Aaron Greenburg are making stupid statements in the media and Microsoft continues to have below average sales in a year where the 360's sales growth should be exploding. It's amazing how quickly things turn.

[Neuqua]

That's odd. To my knowledge I am not being charged extra, maybe this it has not gone into effect yet?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

That's odd. To my knowledge I am not being charged extra, maybe this it has not gone into effect yet?

Correct. It has not been implemented yet. I don't believe they've worked out the final pricing details.

[KWhit]

Weren't you guys trying to convince us that BluRay discs didn't actually cost more than DVDs a while back when we were having one of our 'discusions' about how quickly people would make the switch?

(And by you guys, I mean Mizzou and somebody else I can't remember).

[Eaglesfan27]

Analysts believe Microsoft and Netflix are about to announce a deal to stream Netflix movies through the 360:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6191882.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;2

[SackAttack]

Weren't you guys trying to convince us that BluRay discs didn't actually cost more than DVDs a while back when we were having one of our 'discusions' about how quickly people would make the switch?

(And by you guys, I mean Mizzou and somebody else I can't remember).

I don't remember it quite that way.

Blu-ray costs more, sure, but I know the assertion I was making (and that he was probably agreeing with) is that if you're being discerning at all with your purchases, it's pretty easy to get your BD films for around $15-20.

Yeah, you still see CC and BBY sell DVDs for $4.99 every so often, and it'll be a long time before Blu-ray hits that point, but the $29.99 and $34.99 MSRP's you see on a lot of those discs are basically lazy-people subsidies. The folks who pay that much for BDs either don't feel the financial pinch strongly enough to bother finding better prices, or just don't care enough to exert the effort.

Now, as far as the Netflix decision, that really doesn't have much of anything to do with the cost of Blu-ray movies, per se.

See, rental chains generally don't have the luxury of price-shopping. They can buy in bulk, and get better deals that way, but they don't see the kind of price fluctuations from week to week or month to month that an ordinary consumer might.

Now, add to that the fact that Blu-ray/HD-DVD market penetration is still pretty small compared to the standard definition market, and they're in a situation where they still need to keep their hi-def customers happy, but there's a more limited return on investment for those movies. Thus, they've decided they have to charge a little bit more in order for them to be profitable.

But again, that's the rental market. That's not retail at-large.

[Neon_Chaos]

Ok, so I went to buy my PS3 over the weekend.

But I didn't.

When I got to the shop, they had an XBOX 360 package that was far superior to their PS3 package.

I broke down and finally bought it instead of the PS3.

Got the entire deal for P21,000 ($470)

XBOX 360 Premium (Falcon Chip)
1 extra wireless controller
2 rechargable batteries for the controller
GTA IV, NBA2K8, Assassin's Creed, Mass Effect, and Bioshock.

Needless to say, I have been holed up in my room for the past two days, and I can't seem to stop smiling.

[SackAttack]

Did you get the play and charge or quick charge kits so you can recharge those batteries?

[Neon_Chaos]

Did you get the play and charge or quick charge kits so you can recharge those batteries?

No I didn't. The rechargable batteries came along with a separate (albeit free) charger.

Of the games above, only GTA IV was brand new. The other games were on re-sale.

[Neon_Chaos]

Also, the Falcon chip was a big reason why I bought the XBOX. I live in a tropical country, my house doesn't have central air, and things tend to get.... hot. :)

[PurdueBrad]

Ok, so I went to buy my PS3 over the weekend.

But I didn't.

When I got to the shop, they had an XBOX 360 package that was far superior to their PS3 package.

I broke down and finally bought it instead of the PS3.

Got the entire deal for P21,000 ($470)

XBOX 360 Premium (Falcon Chip)
1 extra wireless controller
2 rechargable batteries for the controller
GTA IV, NBA2K8, Assassin's Creed, Mass Effect, and Bioshock.

Needless to say, I have been holed up in my room for the past two days, and I can't seem to stop smiling.

Neon, that is a very good deal. GTA, Assassin's Creed, and Mass Effect are all great gaming experiences. I've been saving Bioshock for the summer but my students have said it is amazing. Nicely done IMHO.

[spleen1015]

There's not a package to be put together with anything PS3 that can beat the 360 package you got.

[Neon_Chaos]

I could have waited 4 to 6 more months for the release of the Valhalla chip XBOX 360... the CPU and GPU are both 65 nm, compared to the 90 nm chips of the old models. The Falcon chip only has the CPU set at 65 nm, but the GPU is still 90.

The great thing about it is that the Falcon model has HDMI out, which is always nice.

[KWhit]

I don't remember it quite that way.

Blu-ray costs more, sure, but I know the assertion I was making (and that he was probably agreeing with) is that if you're being discerning at all with your purchases, it's pretty easy to get your BD films for around $15-20.

Yeah, you still see CC and BBY sell DVDs for $4.99 every so often, and it'll be a long time before Blu-ray hits that point, but the $29.99 and $34.99 MSRP's you see on a lot of those discs are basically lazy-people subsidies. The folks who pay that much for BDs either don't feel the financial pinch strongly enough to bother finding better prices, or just don't care enough to exert the effort.

Now, as far as the Netflix decision, that really doesn't have much of anything to do with the cost of Blu-ray movies, per se.

See, rental chains generally don't have the luxury of price-shopping. They can buy in bulk, and get better deals that way, but they don't see the kind of price fluctuations from week to week or month to month that an ordinary consumer might.

Now, add to that the fact that Blu-ray/HD-DVD market penetration is still pretty small compared to the standard definition market, and they're in a situation where they still need to keep their hi-def customers happy, but there's a more limited return on investment for those movies. Thus, they've decided they have to charge a little bit more in order for them to be profitable.

But again, that's the rental market. That's not retail at-large.

My argument was that you guys were basically trying to compare the sale price of bluray discs to the msrp of DVDs to say that there wasn't a real price difference.

[gstelmack]

My argument was that you guys were basically trying to compare the sale price of bluray discs to the msrp of DVDs to say that there wasn't a real price difference.

Yup. I can walk into Target or BJ's and buy new-release DVDs for typically around $18 (and they go up to $20 after a week or so). I'm waiting for Blu-Ray discs to hit the same point before I seriously consider making the leap. Regular "buy 2 get 1 free" deals don't do it for me except maybe early on building an initial collection. And if they can do those all the time, then just drop the price to $20.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

My argument was that you guys were basically trying to compare the sale price of bluray discs to the msrp of DVDs to say that there wasn't a real price difference.

And that's certainly not the argument that SackAttack or I were making as he correctly stated. The only argument that either of us made previously was that they MSRP of $30-35 isn't anywhere near what most people pay for BR discs. BR discs, much like DVD's, are always on sale. You may not know this about the industry, but most new release DVD's released even today have a MSRP between $25-30, but it's just as inaccurate for me to say that most DVD's sell for that price.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Good news for consumers who are holding off to buy a PS3 until the MGS4 bundle is released. A scan of the upcoming Wal-Mart circular which is making the rounds on the internet shows that anyone that purchases a MGS4 PS3 bundle will receive a $100 Wal-Mart gift card. Amazing that they would run this good of a promotion on a system seller, but I'm sure no one will complain.

[MizzouRah]

Ok, so I went to buy my PS3 over the weekend.

But I didn't.

When I got to the shop, they had an XBOX 360 package that was far superior to their PS3 package.

I broke down and finally bought it instead of the PS3.

Got the entire deal for P21,000 ($470)

XBOX 360 Premium (Falcon Chip)
1 extra wireless controller
2 rechargable batteries for the controller
GTA IV, NBA2K8, Assassin's Creed, Mass Effect, and Bioshock.

Needless to say, I have been holed up in my room for the past two days, and I can't seem to stop smiling.

Bravo!!! Nicely done!

[hukarez]

Bravo!!! Nicely done!

Wow... that is a very nice deal!

[cartman]

Good news for consumers who are holding off to buy a PS3 until the MGS4 bundle is released. A scan of the upcoming Wal-Mart circular which is making the rounds on the internet shows that anyone that purchases a MGS4 PS3 bundle will receive a $100 Wal-Mart gift card. Amazing that they would run this good of a promotion on a system seller, but I'm sure no one will complain.

Nope, no huge red flag here. None at all.

No way they'd be doing that if they felt MSG4 could move enough units on its own.

[dervack]

Nope, no huge red flag here. None at all.

No way they'd be doing that if they felt MSG4 could move enough units on its own.
Actually, I think the $100 Gift Card is to help Wal-Mart move Blu-Ray movies more than anything since they just got into the market of selling catalog Blu-Ray instead of just New Releases.

[cartman]

Actually, I think the $100 Gift Card is to help Wal-Mart move Blu-Ray movies more than anything since they just got into the market of selling catalog Blu-Ray instead of just New Releases.

If that were the case, they'd be more targeted with the offer, like buy 1 BR movie, get 4 free or something along those lines. If it is a $100 gift card, that can be used for anything in their store.

And if MGS4 was going to be the slam dunk system seller that some are predicting, why would a retailer throw such a big carrot out there at all?

[dervack]

If that were the case, they'd be more targeted with the offer, like buy 1 BR movie, get 4 free or something along those lines. If it is a $100 gift card, that can be used for anything in their store.

And if MGS4 was going to be the slam dunk system seller that some are predicting, why would a retailer throw such a big carrot out there at all?
Well, they are doing it right now with the 40GB system, and the gift card you get, if the store still has them in stock, is Blu-Ray branded. Which I would assume would be the case for the new deal that they are offering too.

[Big Fo]

If this were Sony sponsored because they needed to move units, they would have chosen someone other than Wal-Mart since Wal-Mart does not send in their data to the NPD (which estimates the 40% or so of the market not directly covered) thereby causing Sony to miss out on key messageboard kudos and positive PR.

Looks like I'm buying the bundle at Wal-Mart then and putting the gift card towards GTA4 and MLB: The Show.

Edit: Oh damn I hope the gift card isn't Blu-Ray only...

Edit2: Checking over at Cheep Ass Gamers it seems like it will indeed be a general gift-card, not limited to just Blu-Rays.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Actually, I think the $100 Gift Card is to help Wal-Mart move Blu-Ray movies more than anything since they just got into the market of selling catalog Blu-Ray instead of just New Releases.

It is the main reason. Cartman's argument obviously has little basis in fact or substance. Wal-Mart is now a major partner with Sony in regards to Blu-ray. Due to the new sub $300 player that they now carry, they are very much invested in the HD movie market and stand to make large profits with the advancement of BR hardware and software.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Edit: Oh damn I hope the gift card isn't Blu-Ray only...

Edit2: Checking over at Cheep Ass Gamers it seems like it will indeed be a general gift-card, not limited to just Blu-Rays.

Sony paid marketing dollars to have Wal-Mart produce gift cards with Blu-ray logos on them, but the cards are just general gift cards in function.

[dervack]

If this were Sony sponsored because they needed to move units, they would have chosen someone other than Wal-Mart since Wal-Mart does not send in their data to the NPD (which estimates the 40% or so of the market not directly covered) thereby causing Sony to miss out on key messageboard kudos and positive PR.

Looks like I'm buying the bundle at Wal-Mart then and putting the gift card towards GTA4 and MLB: The Show.

Edit: Oh damn I hope the gift card isn't Blu-Ray only...

Edit2: Checking over at Cheep Ass Gamers it seems like it will indeed be a general gift-card, not limited to just Blu-Rays.
Yeah, the Gift Card has a Blu-Ray "advertisement" on it, not saying you could only use it towards Blu-Ray. Sorry if that was a bit confusing.

[cartman]

Good news for consumers who are holding off to buy a PS3 until the MGS4 bundle is released. A scan of the upcoming Wal-Mart circular which is making the rounds on the internet shows that anyone that purchases a MGS4 PS3 bundle will receive a $100 Wal-Mart gift card. Amazing that they would run this good of a promotion on a system seller, but I'm sure no one will complain.

It is the main reason. Cartman's argument obviously has little basis in fact or substance. Wal-Mart is now a major partner with Sony in regards to Blu-ray. Due to the new sub $300 player that they now carry, they are very much invested in the HD movie market and stand to make large profits with the advancement of BR hardware and software.

So, in the span of a few posts, you go from touting the $100 card as an unexpected "gift" to it being part of a master plan for Blu-Ray. How could I have missed that logical progression?
:rolleyes:

I base my statement on the probability that Sony was spooked that GTA4 didn't move as many systems as they expected, and they are going to give up a lot more than they probably need to in order to move more PS3s with MSG4.

[KWhit]

And that's certainly not the argument that SackAttack or I were making as he correctly stated. The only argument that either of us made previously was that they MSRP of $30-35 isn't anywhere near what most people pay for BR discs. BR discs, much like DVD's, are always on sale. You may not know this about the industry, but most new release DVD's released even today have a MSRP between $25-30, but it's just as inaccurate for me to say that most DVD's sell for that price.

Could you be any more condescending?

[KWhit]

It is the main reason. Cartman's argument obviously has little basis in fact or substance. Wal-Mart is now a major partner with Sony in regards to Blu-ray. Due to the new sub $300 player that they now carry, they are very much invested in the HD movie market and stand to make large profits with the advancement of BR hardware and software.

I guess you can.

[MizzouRah]

I guess you can.

Haven't you learned by now?

[stevew]

So, Metal Gear Solid ps3 with a 100 dollar gift card, for 500? When does this start and how long does it run for?

I can get one any day of the week for 10% off with employee discount, but I'll probably spend 100 or so at walmart on food anyways.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Haven't you learned by now?

Go find an EA game to overhype.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

So, Metal Gear Solid ps3 with a 100 dollar gift card, for 500? When does this start and how long does it run for?

I can get one any day of the week for 10% off with employee discount, but I'll probably spend 100 or so at walmart on food anyways.

Starts on release day and runs for the rest of that week.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I base my statement on the probability that Sony was spooked that GTA4 didn't move as many systems as they expected, and they are going to give up a lot more than they probably need to in order to move more PS3s with MSG4.

Had the marketing deal with Wal-Mart been done less than a month ago, you'd be correct, but that's not the case. Wal-Mart and Sony have been working on the sub-$300 and Blu-ray gift card promotion for longer than that.

[stevew]

A magnavox shitbox BD player for 300 bucks is not going to make a difference. I'd be shocked, anyways, if it did.

Maybe if it was around 150ish.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

A magnavox shitbox BD player for 300 bucks is not going to make a difference. I'd be shocked, anyways, if it did.

Maybe if it was around 150ish.

While I agree with you as far as the quality and whether I would buy it, Wal-Mart made a large wad of cash off selling a ton of Magnavox and Funai 'shitbox' DVD players. And it wouldn't be surprising at all to see a 'shitbox' BD player out at sub $200 by fall of '09. It's not that far off.

[MizzouRah]

Go find an EA game to overhype.

Read the uniform blog.. you'll love it!

http://www.pastapadre.com/

[Ksyrup]

This seems appropriate for the thread, so...


http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l146/mon_montrose/Xcake.jpg

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Read the uniform blog.. you'll love it!

http://www.pastapadre.com/

One word........ubertastic! :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

More confirmation here in a Reuters article that Wal-Mart is making a major Blu-ray push. The deal (available June 8-14 this time) includes all Blu-ray players, not just the PS3. In addition, some recently released BR movies will be moved to $15 price points.

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSN0337087820080603

Wal-Mart pushing sales of Blu-ray players
Tue Jun 3, 2008 3:43pm EDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - With the high definition DVD format war settled, Wal-Mart Stores Inc is now aggressively promoting sales of Blu-ray players.

The world's largest retailer said on Tuesday that from June 8-14, it is offering a $100 Wal-Mart gift card with the purchase of any Blu-ray player in its stores.

Wal-Mart has also increased the brands of Blu-ray players it sells, adding Magnavox, Samsung and Panasonic, and it will sell select Blu-ray movie titles for $15 starting June 8, including "3:10 to Yuma", "Shooter" and "300".

Until earlier this year, consumers who were seeking sharper movies on high-definition DVDs had to choose between two competing standards -- the Blu-ray high-definition DVD format, developed by Sony Corp and the rival HD DVD camp, which was backed by Toshiba Corp.

The competing standards stalled the shift to the new technology in the $24 billion home DVD market as consumers, worried they would be stuck with obsolete technology, avoided buying the players.

But in February, Wal-Mart said it planned to exclusively back the Blu-ray format and later that month, Toshiba said it would end its HD DVD business.

Wal-Mart, which has been working to boost sales of consumer electronics, also said on Tuesday it has completed the redesign of its consumer electronics department in stores nationwide.

The redesigned departments include more space for consumers to test video games, an expanded selection of GPS navigation products, a new display center for computers and a bigger selection of high-definition TVs.

[Neon_Chaos]

Neon, that is a very good deal. GTA, Assassin's Creed, and Mass Effect are all great gaming experiences. I've been saving Bioshock for the summer but my students have said it is amazing. Nicely done IMHO.

I will have to say that after playing through the prologue of Mass Effect, up to the part where the lead character gets zapped unconscious by the beacon and is revived in the hospital... the game eerily feels like a space opera movie. Which is awesome.

And is that Seth Green's voice I hear as the navigator of the ship?

[PurdueBrad]

Yeah, that is Seth Green.

The story gets much deeper and involving as you go, although it's great you've gotten into it this early. Some people have had trouble connecting to the story early (I didn't really) so it'll make it all the better if you like it now.

[Neon_Chaos]

It actually helped me to get into the game by listening to the narrator explaining the history of the universe and stuff (it's like an in-game Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy). :) I always stop playing for a while to listen/read to any new things added there.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Lots of new news coming out.

Good news for current 40 GB PS3 owners and people interested in buying one. Information has been leaked by an insider that the 40 GB console will soon have backwards compatibility. Since I'm assuming you don't speak German, the article basically states that there will be a firmware upgrade planned for October that will allow for software-based backwards compatibility on the 40 GB machine...........

http://playstation.ingame.de/content.php?c=79310&s=429

Sony cancels 'Eight Days' and 'Getaway'. Not terribly surprising given that we've heard nothing about these games for 2-3 years now. The only surprise might be that they weren't cancelled sooner.........

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sony-cancels-eight-days-and-the-getaway

Pretty shocking news out of Japan, where the creator of Ninja Gaiden has left Tecmo and filed a lawsuit on the day before the release of Ninja Gaiden II on the 360. There will likely be several companies looking to land his talents, including Sony and MS.......

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3168056

In related news, it appears that Ninja Gaiden II is running at a resolution of 585p on the 360.

http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/News-151906.aspx

Interview with Mass Effect creator............

http://play.tm/story/18514

Update on Alan Wake. Some hope that it might come out by the end of '08, but '09 is looking much more likely...........

http://www.unscripted360.com/2008/06/02/alan-wake-update/

[spleen1015]

In related news, it appears that Ninja Gaiden II is running at a resolution of 585p on the 360.

Well, since resolution is what makes a game great, I guess this game ain't worth a damn.

[Fidatelo]

I think Mizzou's comment about the resolution is fair given all the crap people spewed about the EA games not being 720p on PS3.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Well, since resolution is what makes a game great, I guess this game ain't worth a damn.

That's not the point at all. Ninja Gaiden II has some hiccups graphically, but it's still got a metacritic score of 81, which is generally considered a good score. The only reason I post it is because it's extremely annoying that developers continue to promise on thing and deliver another on both consoles. Usually, it's because the game is multiplatform, but that's not the case for Ninja Gaiden II. It's exclusively on the 360. They don't have any excuse.

[MJ4H]

Games that are less than 1080p should be shit on, no doubt. How awful.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Games that are less than 1080p should be shit on, no doubt. How awful.

Not even 1080p. 720p should be a minimum requirement for a HD console, which is what the 360 and PS3 claim to be.

[BrianD]

Games that are non-standard resolutions are a pain in the ass for me. My projector doesn't do any scaling on its own, and my receiver just passes through anything on the HDMI input. I basically have to create a new memory setting for each different resolution.

[MJ4H]

Not even 1080p. 720p should be a minimum requirement for a HD console, which is what the 360 and PS3 claim to be.

whoosh

[gstelmack]

Games that are non-standard resolutions are a pain in the ass for me. My projector doesn't do any scaling on its own, and my receiver just passes through anything on the HDMI input. I basically have to create a new memory setting for each different resolution.

The actual output is still 720P or 1080I or whatever. The 360 has video scaling hardware that makes this pretty trivial (it will auto letterbox games, for example, so you can build a 720P widescreen game and have the 360 handle the conversion to display on 480P narrow).

Where the confusion comes in is that games will render to some other buffer format, usually for performance or sometimes memory reasons, and let the scaling hardware work there as well. Rendering to something like 585P saves framebuffer space and reduces the number of pixels you have to render which speeds up overall framerate.

The big debate, of course, is the 720P "contract" vs the "how does it actually look?" question. Of course you never see these same people gripe about 13xx x 768 LCD monitors claiming "1080P" support, but we won't confuse the issue with facts.

But you should have no issues with your projector, the 360 hardware will take care of you...

[BrianD]

Good to know, thanks for the explanation.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

whoosh

I didn't miss your point. I just didn't give you the attention you were craving. :)

[MJ4H]

I didn't miss your point. I just didn't give you the attention you were craving. :)

I don't crave your attention. I crave your rational thoughts. Again, woosh, disappointed. LOW REZ GAMES R SUX. Right? What other point could there possibly be? Yes those systems have the capability to display higher, but so what? That doesn't mean every game has to have the maximum allowable resolution. It's just stupid to worry about crap like that. Well, not for graphics whores I guess, but even then it misses the point that resolution isn't even all that important in graphic quality.

whoosh.


and here is the ridiculous ellipsis just to try to fit in with your ridiculous posts...........................................

[Fidatelo]

This is getting ridiculous.


Oh wait, no, it's been ridiculous for over a year now.

[MJ4H]

This is getting ridiculous.


Oh wait, no, it's been ridiculous for over a year now.

Yet it keeps happening. I guess I should stop responding to it.

[Kodos]

Honestly, it seems to me like MJ4H is a lot more obsessed with "high resolution graphics vs. non hi rez" than MBBF is. MJ4H brings up some variation of "Oh my god - it's not high def! It must suck! 360 and PS3 roxxorz!" in every one of these threads. Why not just sit back and enjoy Nintendo's success, rather than trying to get everyone else to love the Wii like you do? I think MBBF is justified to complain about "next gen" games that aren't in high def, because that is part of the selling point for the other two consoles.

[MizzouRah]

I agree with Kodos.. to an extent. The Wii has some great games, we all know that, but I want "next-gen" type graphics AND a great game to play. My Wii does not get played much at all now that the family is past the initial "cool controls" stage. My kids play their pc more than anything, then the 360 comes next.

The part I don't really agree with is, does a game played in 585p REALLY look like a ps2 or Xbox game? Ninja Gaiden II screenshots do not look bad to me.

[Calis]

I think he has the capability to bring the worst out in anyone, because everyone always ends up sounding bad when they acknowledge it. I think it's best to just ignore. I've ended up zoning him out enough that I find myself more annoyed by the people who counter it with blind Wii-love or 360-love.

I happen to own all 3 consoles, and they all have bonuses and issues. I don't feel the need to defend or attack any of the three. Although lately I've barely been using them at all apart from watching DVD's on the PS3.

[MJ4H]

Honestly, it seems to me like MJ4H is a lot more obsessed with "high resolution graphics vs. non hi rez" than MBBF is. MJ4H brings up some variation of "Oh my god - it's not high def! It must suck! 360 and PS3 roxxorz!" in every one of these threads. Why not just sit back and enjoy Nintendo's success, rather than trying to get everyone else to love the Wii like you do? I think MBBF is justified to complain about "next gen" games that aren't in high def, because that is part of the selling point for the other two consoles.

Then you think wrong. I'm never the one that brings it up. I'm the one to point out how stupid it is when it is brought up. And I'm not trying to get everyone else to love the Wii. That's the difference between him and me. I'm simply pointing out how stupid it is to rag on a game because it isn't at infinite resolution.

And it is baffling that you think I'm the one that is nuts here. He is the one (and others) that continues to bring up how HD resolutions are SO IMPORTANT in a game and other nonsensical things of that nature. I point it out (because it is insanity and it is what is making games so freaking bad these days, it is an important issue and I definitely think it needs countering) and I'm the one that is the annoying one. Well, that's just fine. You might want to put me on ignore because I won't stop countering stupidity of that nature. And, yes, I firmly believe it is stupidity.

Flame on.

[MJ4H]

I also find it hilarious that these console threads always do the same thing. MBBF posts a ton of news, spins it so that Sony sounds great, people call him on it, posts something about how terrible it is that some games arent at 1080p and I call him on it, and I'm the dumbass that just can't shutup about my pet topic. Alright. You guys continue doing the exact same thing and calling me out. That's just great.

Seriously, some of you people are just insane.

[MJ4H]

I think MBBF is justified to complain about "next gen" games that aren't in high def, because that is part of the selling point for the other two consoles.

I don't. In fact, I think it is pretty effing stupid. The ability to run HD resolutions might be a selling point, but if "every game HAS TO BE HD" was a selling point for you, that is your own fault. Unless you can show me a promise from one of the companies that all their games would be in HD. I will be happy to eat crow then.

Why is it do you think a developer might choose to not run in HD? Could it be so that they could focus on other areas of the game and make those better? Do people seriously want other areas of a game sacrificed so that they can have a few extra pixels? Is it really that important to you people? I seriously am amazed (and saddened) if you can honestly answer yes to this. The company made a decision (maybe it was even to make the game look better color/texture/detail-wise--you could STILL have amazing graphics!!!) to run it in that resolution. There has to be a reason besides let's piss off the graphics whores. It could be "let's be lazy" and that would of course be bad, but that is not automatically the reason. If that's the reason, let's focus on that, shall we?

I know, most of this will fall on deaf ears and most people will get their hackles up and/or dismiss me because "there goes that stupid Wii guy complaining about HD again." But, please, discuss the actual points I'm making and don't just dismiss it because I'm more annoying than that super-annoying guy.

[gstelmack]

I for one was able to separate out the sarcasm MJ4H brought to the discussion from his normal Wii-love. He's parodying the fact that people get so worked up over a few vertical lines of resolution that NO ONE notices until someone takes a freeze-frame and goes over it with a fine-toothed comb. And MBBF is one of the big champions of that here in the forum.

Nowhere is he saying "720P doesn't matter", he's just pointing out that it's not the death-knell of a game if it isn't at precisely the HD resolution everyone expects. People focus too much on the road and not enough on the destination here.

[MJ4H]

I for one was able to separate out the sarcasm MJ4H brought to the discussion from his normal Wii-love. He's parodying the fact that people get so worked up over a few vertical lines of resolution that NO ONE notices until someone takes a freeze-frame and goes over it with a fine-toothed comb. And MBBF is one of the big champions of that here in the forum.

Nowhere is he saying "720P doesn't matter", he's just pointing out that it's not the death-knell of a game if it isn't at precisely the HD resolution everyone expects. People focus too much on the road and not enough on the destination here.

thank god. seriously, id send cash at this point if i could.

[Big Fo]

omg pixel counting is serious business

Doesn't COD4 have better graphics than a number of "true 720p" games anyhow?

art style > frame rate > resolution

gameplay is more important than all of those

[KWhit]

COD4 isn't at 720p?!?!?!?!?!?

Shitty game.

[Daimyo]

That's not the point at all. Ninja Gaiden II has some hiccups graphically, but it's still got a metacritic score of 81, which is generally considered a good score. The only reason I post it is because it's extremely annoying that developers continue to promise on thing and deliver another on both consoles. Usually, it's because the game is multiplatform, but that's not the case for Ninja Gaiden II. It's exclusively on the 360. They don't have any excuse.

I find it funny that you consider it "annoying" when a 360 game runs at a resolution lower than 720p. In the March thread you actually tried to spin GTA's lower PS3 resolution favorably...

Most people are attributing the lower resolution on the PS3 to the reason that the PS3 version looks better, has less pop-ups, and has less framerate stutters.

Personally I find judging games based on resolution nearly as stupid as judging consoles on "bits" a decade ago. Luckily we outgrew that...

[MJ4H]

I find it funny that you consider it "annoying" when a 360 game runs at a resolution lower than 720p. In the March thread you actually tried to spin GTA's lower PS3 resolution favorably...



Personally I find judging games based on resolution nearly as stupid as judging consoles on "bits" a decade ago. Luckily we outgrew that...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/Gorgonian14/2251747968277bbb0d.gif

[MizzouRah]

I find it funny that you consider it "annoying" when a 360 game runs at a resolution lower than 720p. In the March thread you actually tried to spin GTA's lower PS3 resolution favorably...



Personally I find judging games based on resolution nearly as stupid as judging consoles on "bits" a decade ago. Luckily we outgrew that...

MBBF has run his course in these console sales numbers threads.. I don't think anyone who's a regular here really reads much of what he posts in these particular threads. He spins his anti-anything non Sony almost as good as DJ Jazzy Jeff did back in the day.

I get what MJ4H is saying.. and so do so many more gamers.. apparently. :)

[Chubby]

"there goes that stupid Wii guy complaining about HD again."

that's all I needed to read

[MJ4H]

The latest issue of Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu, reveals two established franchises that will be making their way to the Nintendo Wii for the first time - Marvelous’ Rune Factory and From Software’s Tenchu.
Rune Factory Frontier
After two successful outings on the Nintendo DS, the Rune Factory RPG series is heading to the Nintendo Wii, under the guise of Rune Factory Frontier. Famitsu magazine reports that players will control Laguna, who is starting life afresh in a brand new land. Developer Marvelous will challenge players to build a village and attract new residents to live in it.
It’s out in Japan later on this year.
Tenchu 4
Also in the latest Famitsu magazine is the news that Fron Software is to bring its ninja-stealth series to the Nintendo Wii - and at this point it would appear that the title is exclusive.
It’ll arrive in Japan on Oct 23

[MizzouRah]

Tenchu.. fun game.

[Cringer]

I know, most of this will fall on deaf ears and most people will get their hackles up and/or dismiss me because "there goes that stupid Wii guy complaining about HD again." But, please, discuss the actual points I'm making and don't just dismiss it because I'm more annoying than that super-annoying guy.

Not sure if this will make you feel better, but I don't think of you as the Wii guy on here. I think of you as the Wii/Petrino guy. ;)

[MJ4H]

haha it actually does make me feel better ;)

[cartman]

The latest issue of Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu, reveals two established franchises that will be making their way to the Nintendo Wii for the first time - Marvelous’ Rune Factory and From Software’s Tenchu.
Rune Factory Frontier
After two successful outings on the Nintendo DS, the Rune Factory RPG series is heading to the Nintendo Wii, under the guise of Rune Factory Frontier. Famitsu magazine reports that players will control Laguna, who is starting life afresh in a brand new land. Developer Marvelous will challenge players to build a village and attract new residents to live in it.
It’s out in Japan later on this year.
Tenchu 4
Also in the latest Famitsu magazine is the news that Fron Software is to bring its ninja-stealth series to the Nintendo Wii - and at this point it would appear that the title is exclusive.
It’ll arrive in Japan on Oct 23

Yeah, but what resolution are they going to run?

/getting throwing or gunshot distance away... :D

[MJ4H]

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/shuttlecat-is-not-amused.jpg

[Calis]

http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/882586/saints-row-2/videos/saintsrow2_trailer_060408.html

Not sure if that has been linked yet but a pretty good trailer for Saint's Row 2 taking a few shots at GTA4. Looks pretty good.

Doesn't mention resolution in the trailer though, so the jury is still out.

[Cringer]

http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/882586/saints-row-2/videos/saintsrow2_trailer_060408.html

Not sure if that has been linked yet but a pretty good trailer for Saint's Row 2 taking a few shots at GTA4. Looks pretty good.

Doesn't mention resolution in the trailer though, so the jury is still out.

Very nice. That pretty much has locked up my money already. I liked the first one and this one looks even better. Some of that stuff looks pretty cool.

[Fidatelo]

Personally I find judging games based on resolution nearly as stupid as judging consoles on "bits" a decade ago. Luckily we outgrew that...

Wow, this is such horseshit. Hardware specs are the most important aspect of any system, everyone knows that. Fuck, I don't even buy games anymore, I just stick my dick in the disc tray and get jiggy with the system bus. Uhhhh, ya that's how you like it you dirty little cell processor! I'm gonna stick my hand right up your expansion port! Uhhh!

[spleen1015]

http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/882586/saints-row-2/videos/saintsrow2_trailer_060408.html

Not sure if that has been linked yet but a pretty good trailer for Saint's Row 2 taking a few shots at GTA4. Looks pretty good.

Doesn't mention resolution in the trailer though, so the jury is still out.

That only looks like a shit ton of fun! :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I find it funny that you consider it "annoying" when a 360 game runs at a resolution lower than 720p. In the March thread you actually tried to spin GTA's lower PS3 resolution favorably...

Personally I find judging games based on resolution nearly as stupid as judging consoles on "bits" a decade ago. Luckily we outgrew that...

I didn't spin anything favorably. Most reviewers stated that exact same thing. Also, you didn't post all my thoughts on the situation. I also clearly stated that I didn't think it was acceptable that GTA4 was downgraded in resolution on both versions, yet it still had framerate performance issues. I also stated that it definitely was not the '10' game that some people were giving it.

MS and Sony promised HD gaming when they produced these consoles. I don't think it's asking too much for them to deliver on their promises and they should hold the developers to the same standard. However, we all know that the almighty dollar trumps all and that's not going to happen.

[Eaglesfan27]

Tenchu.. fun game.


One of my favorites. Looking forward to seeing what kind of control scheme a Wii version has.

[Eaglesfan27]

Interesting article about the PS3 harddrives potentially becoming full from games' mandatory installs. Sounds like another reason to go for the 80 GB version:

http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/3188.html


Also, Sony is going to start charging for some optional access (certain downloads including Betas and interviews) on their online network:

http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=11746&rss=1&title=Sony+to+charge+for+PlayStation+Network

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting article about the PS3 harddrives potentially becoming full from games' mandatory installs. Sounds like another reason to go for the 80 GB version:

http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/3188.html

If anything, it's a good reason to upgrade your hard drive eventually. You can get 250GB hard drives for as little as $80-90 if you shop around. It's an even better idea if you're a PS3 user who plans on watching movies/TV shows off the download services expected later this year.

Also, Sony is going to start charging for some optional access (certain downloads including Betas and interviews) on their online network:

http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=11746&rss=1&title=Sony+to+charge+for+PlayStation+Network

It's essentially the same thing as the MGS Online beta if you preorder or the Halo 3 beta if you buy Crackdown. Only difference is that they're doing that kind of thing online rather than in retail. It's a relatively lousy idea with very little bang for the buck. Also, some of the content will be release for free one week later. It's likely going to fall flat on its face and not be around for long. As long as online play and matchmaking continues to be free on PS3, I could care less about the other stuff. If they start charging for online play at any point, I'll be the first one in line to complain.

[MizzouRah]

Very nice. That pretty much has locked up my money already. I liked the first one and this one looks even better. Some of that stuff looks pretty cool.

Agreed. I did analyze the resolution of that trailer and it's running at 632p. I hope that improves. :p

[Daimyo]

I didn't spin anything favorably. Most reviewers stated that exact same thing. Also, you didn't post all my thoughts on the situation. I also clearly stated that I didn't think it was acceptable that GTA4 was downgraded in resolution on both versions, yet it still had framerate performance issues. I also stated that it definitely was not the '10' game that some people were giving it.

Here is your full quote:
Is there one to be made? Most people are attributing the lower resolution on the PS3 to the reason that the PS3 version looks better, has less pop-ups, and has less framerate stutters. It was basically a port from the 360, so I'm not sure we should be surprised that it's sub-par given the recent comments from the 'Ghostbusters' game developers. As most developers have previously stated, the best move as a developer for ease of development is to use the PS3 as the primary development system and then port it over to the 360. GTA4 started its development quite some time ago, so they really didn't have an opportunity to do that.

As far as the 'unexpected bonus' of 1 month of XBL, the PS3 owners got a bigger bonus when they purchased the system. It's called a lifetime of free online console play. It's not a bonus if it should be free in the first place, but Microsoft is awfully glad that people are thankful for a free month while they charge people for the other 11 months.
You mean I didn't post all your thoughts literally? As in the ones in your head that you didn't post?

I also clearly stated that I didn't think it was acceptable that GTA4 was downgraded in resolution on both versions, yet it still had framerate performance issues.
EDIT: I haven't seen any reference to the 360 version running at less than 720p and couldn't find any just now with a quick google search.

[Big Fo]

Fatal Frame IV is looking pretty good from these new screenshots released today. This and Wario Land Shake (yay for console 2D platformers) are coming out next month in Japan so hopefully they'll be out in the US soon after that.

screenshots (http://japan.gamespot.com/wii/screenshots/common/pictures/0,3800075481,10313648p,00.htm)

I don't like Nintendo's new policy of not even announcing games until they are two or three months from release, I can't wait for E3 to officially see what else they've got coming.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Ars Technica has posted an updated review of the PS3 console. On release, they gave it a 6/10. New review score is now 9/10. Reviewer discusses the improvement from release 19 months ago compared to how much better the PS3 offerings are now.

http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/playstation-3-blu-ray.ars

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Really good opinion piece about third party development on the Wii...........

http://malstrom.50webs.com/birdman.html

[MJ4H]

Capcom announces new 3rd party Wii exclusive, reassures gamers that it will be as well-received as Zak & Wiki.

On Tuesday morning Capcom announced Spyborgs, a Wii exclusive action adventure coming in 2009. Developed by the newly formed Bionic Games, Spyborgs will emphasize the teamwork of five bionic superspies in saving the world, all while maintaining a Saturday morning cartoon theme that "refuses to take itself too seriously." Screenshots, etc. (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/gameArt.cfm?artid=16075)


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[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Trailer for Afrika is out. Release date in Japan is August 28th. Should be a big seller in Japan due to its 'Pokemon Snap' play mechanics. They seem to like nutty gameplay like that.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/34897.html

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Game industry analysts at a recent conference now believe that the 360 is in for a struggle in the coming year. Only 9 months ago we were saying how well the 360 was doing and how poorly the PS3 was performing. Now, the PS3 has beat the 360 in worldwide sales for 5 straight months............

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/analysts-warn-of-struggle-for-xbox

[Bee]

At the rate it's going when will the PS3 pass the 360 in sales?

[MizzouRah]

At the rate it's going when will the PS3 pass the 360 in sales?

By that time the 720 will be out. :wagfingers:

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Not surprisingly, it appears that the worst kept secret about the 360 will soon be officially announced. Microsoft on Monday is expected to announce a 360 with integrated Blu-ray drive, finally making it obvious that the talk of Blu-ray being a dead media was nothing more than Microsoft PR talk. This is big news for both consoles as the likely increase in production of Blu-ray drives should allow for much cheaper prices on the consoles sooner rather than later.

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/06/08/ms-to-release-blu-ray-drive-on-monday/

[MizzouRah]

Not surprisingly, it appears that the worst kept secret about the 360 will soon be officially announced. Microsoft on Monday is expected to announce a 360 with integrated Blu-ray drive, finally making it obvious that the talk of Blu-ray being a dead media was nothing more than Microsoft PR talk. This is big news for both consoles as the likely increase in production of Blu-ray drives should allow for much cheaper prices on the consoles sooner rather than later.

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/06/08/ms-to-release-blu-ray-drive-on-monday/

I guess they were supposed to endorse blu-ray and say screw it to their interest in HD-DVD? I know Sony NEVER has bs PR talk?

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg265/critch101/handjob.gif

[Chubby]

I guess they were supposed to endorse blu-ray and say screw it to their interest in HD-DVD? I know Sony NEVER has bs PR talk?

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg265/critch101/handjob.gif

:rolleyes:

Sony PR bad, MS PR good. Got it.

[MizzouRah]

:rolleyes:

Sony PR bad, MS PR good. Got it.

I never said that. It's just funny how MS has pr bullshit and Sony is teh shit.

FYI I have a psp and 3 Sony TV's and 2 ps2's. I could care less as I think Sony has great products, but I'm exhausted at MMBF's attempt to spew crap like MS would promote BR when it supported HD-DVD.

[SackAttack]

Not surprisingly, it appears that the worst kept secret about the 360 will soon be officially announced. Microsoft on Monday is expected to announce a 360 with integrated Blu-ray drive, finally making it obvious that the talk of Blu-ray being a dead media was nothing more than Microsoft PR talk. This is big news for both consoles as the likely increase in production of Blu-ray drives should allow for much cheaper prices on the consoles sooner rather than later.

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/06/08/ms-to-release-blu-ray-drive-on-monday/

http://gizmodo.com/5014393/robbie-bach-denies-blu+ray-xbox-and-zune-phone-but-hints-zune-platform-may-expand-to-other-devices

and the source of the Gizmodo article:
[url]http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/08/BUPF11383J.DTL[/irl]

Granted, they took a comment out of context a little bit - the question was about 'next-generation,' and Bach dismissed that as being 'so far out there's nothing to talk about.'

And I think Gizmodo probably took that as "so far out [there] that..." as well as being about the 360.

But...if he's not willing to talk about Blu-ray in the next generation, that suggests there isn't anything imminent, either.

We'll see tomorrow.

[samifan24]

Microsoft is going to try to upstage Apple by announcing the Xbox 360 BR deal about an hour before Jobs takes the stage at WWDC 08 to introduce the new iPhone. Interesting.

[Chubby]

I never said that. It's just funny how MS has pr bullshit and Sony is teh shit.

FYI I have a psp and 3 Sony TV's and 2 ps2's. I could care less as I think Sony has great products, but I'm exhausted at MMBF's attempt to spew crap like MS would promote BR when it supported HD-DVD.

Pot... kettle... black...

just a side note, anytime someone has to defend there argument by saying "I always shop here", "I spend XXX $" or "I have XXX Product" it kinda cheapens the argument.

[Bee]

At the rate it's going when will the PS3 pass the 360 in sales?

Anyone know? I was curious how much Sony had closed the gap with their improved sales the last few months.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

http://gizmodo.com/5014393/robbie-bach-denies-blu+ray-xbox-and-zune-phone-but-hints-zune-platform-may-expand-to-other-devices

and the source of the Gizmodo article:
[url]http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/08/BUPF11383J.DTL[/irl]

Granted, they took a comment out of context a little bit - the question was about 'next-generation,' and Bach dismissed that as being 'so far out there's nothing to talk about.'

And I think Gizmodo probably took that as "so far out [there] that..." as well as being about the 360.

But...if he's not willing to talk about Blu-ray in the next generation, that suggests there isn't anything imminent, either.

We'll see tomorrow.

I'd agree. I don't think it's going to happen tomorrow due to the dismissal. They surely wouldn't do that the day before they announce that there is a BR 360, but we've seen both MS and Sony be in firm denial mode previously in this generation only to reverse themselves a week later on various announcements. The only part that surprised me was that they said in the original comment that it would be cheaper than the Elite, which doesn't seem to add up at all.

If nothing else, MS now has themselves a bunch of interest viewers of the announcement tomorrow. Definitely much more than they would have had otherwise.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Anyone know? I was curious how much Sony had closed the gap with their improved sales the last few months.

They're closing at around 200K a month right now worldwide. Sales are basically even in North America. Sony is outselling the 360 in PAL territories and is only about 700K behind in PAL territories. Sony is ahead in Japan, but really hasn't seen nearly the sales they need over there. Obviously, they're hoping for a big MGS4 boost in Japan this month.

[spleen1015]

Is the Walmart deal with the $100 Gift Card the best deal right now for the PS3?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Is the Walmart deal with the $100 Gift Card the best deal right now for the PS3?

Actually, you can get an even better deal if you sign up for the Sony Style credit card. You get $100 off a Blu-ray purchase with that credit card. Couple that with the $100 Wal-Mart gift card and you're basically getting a 80 GB PS3 with MGS4 for $299. You can do the same thing with the 40 GB machine and get it for $199. You can cancel the card right after you pay it off. It's a bit of work, but really good savings.

[gstelmack]

They're closing at around 200K a month right now worldwide. Sales are basically even in North America. Sony is outselling the 360 in PAL territories and is only about 700K behind in PAL territories. Sony is ahead in Japan, but really hasn't seen nearly the sales they need over there. Obviously, they're hoping for a big MGS4 boost in Japan this month.

Which is still a loss for them, given all the "will beat by 300K+ per month" predictions we had at the turn of the year that would have them catching the 360 in overall sales soon...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Which is still a loss for them, given all the "will beat by 300K+ per month" predictions we had at the turn of the year that would have them catching the 360 in overall sales soon...

Yep, Japan has been the main problem for Sony. They're struggling over there without any games that appeal to that culture. As mentioned, it'll be interesting to see how MGS4 boosts console sales. I think the announcement of Afrika being released over there is another indication that they're trying to find ways to pull Asian consumers off their portable devices. It's taylor-made for Japanese culture, but who knows if it will be successful.

[spleen1015]

Actually, you can get an even better deal if you sign up for the Sony Style credit card. You get $100 off a Blu-ray purchase with that credit card. Couple that with the $100 Wal-Mart gift card and you're basically getting a 80 GB PS3 with MGS4 for $299. You can do the same thing with the 40 GB machine and get it for $199. You can cancel the card right after you pay it off. It's a bit of work, but really good savings.

Does that $100 discount on a Blu-ray purchase include the PS3? That seems hard to believe.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Noticed a great deal over at Amazon.com for 360 owners. The 120 GB HDD is being sold for $134.99, which is a $40 discount. Good deal for those who have older systems and want to boost the HDD.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Does that $100 discount on a Blu-ray purchase include the PS3? That seems hard to believe.

Yes, it includes PS3's in the offer. They've been offering it for about a year now. In fact, the advertisement online actually has a picture of the PS3 in the ad.

http://sonycard.sony.com/sonygateway/gateway.asp?offerlink=sonycardps3c100&PID=none&SPID=B7RY&CELL=6064&MSC=&AFFID=&CLICK=&CID=&PROMO=DF01

[spleen1015]

It might be time to start negotiations with the accountant.

[MizzouRah]

Pot... kettle... black...

just a side note, anytime someone has to defend there argument by saying "I always shop here", "I spend XXX $" or "I have XXX Product" it kinda cheapens the argument.

ok, thanks for the side note!

[Big Fo]

The May sales thread is coming on Thursday, this Gamepro article tells us some of what to expect:

Despite record-breaking sales and levels of hype never before seen for a video game launch, Grand Theft Auto IV had no discernible effect on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 hardware sales for the month of May.

The ominous news was delivered by two separate analysts firms, Lazard Capital Markets and Wedbush Morgan Securities, as part of their monthly NPD preview report.

"We do not believe the recent release of GTA IV has generated meaningful incremental demand for the Xbox 360 or PS3 platforms," said Colin Sebastian of Lazard Capital Markets.

Analyst Micheal Pachter added that further price cuts could do more than GTA IV to boost console sales.

"Next generation console unit sales are running well ahead of the level in the analogous period of 2003 (when console prices averaged under USD 200), implying room for significant sales growth as price cuts are implemented," Pachter explained.

The news does not bode well for Sony, whose executives have continually flaunted Metal Gear Solid 4 as a "killer application" for the PS3. Killer applications, by definition, are software titles that sell more systems.

So it looks like both HD consoles will be around 200k or less and that most people interested in GTA4 had already purchased their console.

I don't expect much of a bump for MGS4 in June either, and what little there might be could have more to do with the return of backwards compatibility than the highly anticipated game.

On a non-sales note, is GTA4 as good as the reviewers would have me believe? The game has been getting a lot of criticism on other forums I frequent but then again everything gets ripped to shreds on the Internet...

[Cringer]

Maybe it did boost sales. Maybe if GTA IV had not have come out then sales for both untis would have taken a huge nose dive. Maybe not one single PS3 or 360 would have sold last month if it wasn't for GTA IV. They can't prove otherwise now can they? Nope. I win. GTA IV is teh bom.

[spleen1015]

Does anyone know if GTAIII provided any sales boost for the PS2?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The May sales thread is coming on Thursday, this Gamepro article tells us some of what to expect:

So it looks like both HD consoles will be around 200k or less and that most people interested in GTA4 had already purchased their console.

I don't expect much of a bump for MGS4 in June either, and what little there might be could have more to do with the return of backwards compatibility than the highly anticipated game.

On a non-sales note, is GTA4 as good as the reviewers would have me believe? The game has been getting a lot of criticism on other forums I frequent but then again everything gets ripped to shreds on the Internet...

One thing that that people often forget when judging this generation of consoles.......

"Next generation console unit sales are running well ahead of the level in the analogous period of 2003 (when console prices averaged under USD 200), implying room for significant sales growth as price cuts are implemented," Pachter explained.

People like to poo-poo the sales numbers, but they are actually extremely good when compared to similar timeframes of the last generation. Console sales are explosive right now. The industry is shockingly doing well given the general economic downturn.

Personally, I wasn't all that happy with GTA4. It was a fun game, but got VERY repetitive as you moved along. I've stated before that the game wasn't worthy of the perfect scores it was receiving. After playing it for quite a bit of time, I've seen little to change my mind, which is honestly disappointing.

Edit: I'm also interested to see if MGS4 provides a boost or not. GTA4 was multiplatform. It'll be interesting to see if a big exclusive title falls on its face or provides a substantial boost.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Does anyone know if GTAIII provided any sales boost for the PS2?

I don't have access to it here, but you could look it up on the VGChartz archives. Their old numbers are changed to reflect NPD numbers. If you can figure out when it was released, you could look it up pretty easily.

[Eaglesfan27]

Microsoft again denies the Blu Ray rumors:

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=190497

[BrianD]

Microsoft again denies the Blu Ray rumors:

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=190497

That is an odd report talking about the "next generation" Xbox. Why not just ask if the Xbox360 will support Blu-Ray?

[MizzouRah]

I don't think GTA IV is perfect, but it has been quite fun to play and definitely one of the better "next gen" games imho.