August Console Sales Numbers (post 179) [Archive]

Big Fo

08-14-2008, 06:31 PM

Hardware, June results in parenthesis, then year to date, limetime to date :

DS ........... 608k (783k) 3.795m (21.385m)
Wii ........... 555k (666k) 4.038m (11.407m)
PS3........... 225k (405k) 1.833m (5.081m)
PSP........... 222k (337k) 1.704m (12.216m)
Xbox 360... 205k (219k) 1.546m (10.67m)
PS2 ...........155k (188k)

Boy that MGS4 bump didn't last. The $50 price drop for the 360 premium didn't do much, though I forget exactly when it occurred, perhaps it was only a few days or a week? Wii outsells the HD twins combined for the fifth straight month despite decreased sales, and the DS continues trucking along.

360 NCAA FOOTBALL 09 .......................... 397.6K
WII FIT W/ BALANCE BOARD .................. 369.6K
NDS GUITAR HERO: ON TOUR ................. 309.7K
WII PLAY W/ REMOTE .............................. 284K
PS3 NCAA FOOTBALL 09 .......................... 242.5K
360 SOUL CALIBUR IV ............................. 218.9K
WII MARIO KART W/ WHEEL ..................... 174.5K
WII ROCK BAND SPECIAL ED BUNDLE ........ 165.8K
PS3 SOUL CALIBUR IV .............................. 155.8K
360 SID MEIER'S CIV REVOLUTION ........... 147.6K

Nice to see console gamers showing some love to Civilization, although I'm sure many of these folks are big fans of the PC games as well.

I'm surprised MGS4 didn't stay on the charts after selling 774k (near a million when counting bundled copies), it goes to show what a love it/hate it series it is. The hardcore fans buy it the day it comes and not that many other people really care. It was still sold in bundles though, so that helps. I like seeing the good games do well.

With Soul Calibur IV sales around 400k through July in the US and around 130k in Japan, and Namco announcing that they've shipped two million copies to retails, I might be able to get that on sale pretty soon. Nice.

NCAA Football comparison with NCAA 08 in parenthesis:

360 NCAA FOOTBALL 09 397.6K (397k)
PS3 NCAA FOOTBALL 09 242.5K (156k)
PS2 NCAA FOOTBALL 09 ??? (236k)

When the top 20 comes out maybe we'll see where/if the PSP, Wii, and PS2 versions wound up. I liked how the 360 version's sales are identical to last year's.

sterlingice

08-14-2008, 08:17 PM

Wonder what SC IV would have sold if it were on the Wii

SI

twothree

08-14-2008, 08:21 PM

PS2 ...........155k ( ? )PS2 ...........155k (188k)

Big Fo

08-14-2008, 09:25 PM

Wonder what SC IV would have sold if it were on the Wii

SI

Soul Calibur II only sold so well on the Cube because of Link amirite ;)

Street Fighter IV should really get a Wii version. Street Fighter II on the SNES is Capcom's highest-selling game of all time, and Street Fighter II Turbo is the third highest. SF4 is relying heavily on SF2 nostalgia (All eight characters plus the four bosses in that game are returning, and there haven't been many from the other games announced), when the series was at its peak before the Alpha series and SF3 saw the series decline in popularity. It makes sense financially, the game would sell a lot more with a Wii port especially considering the situation in Japan. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, another fighting game heavily dependent on nostalgia, has sold millions. Why not?

Plus, I'll take a graphical downgrade to use the Classic Controller over the DualShock3. I've never liked the Playstations' D-pads all that much.

PS2 ...........155k (188k)

Thanks, I'll put that in the OP.

Big Fo

08-14-2008, 10:23 PM

PR from the Big Three:

July was a solid month for Xbox 360. We dominated the E3 landscape, took home 11 Game Critics Awards and closed out a profitable year with $2.1 billion in growth in our Entertainment & Devices Division (Microsoft internal data).

Just this week, G4TV, unveiled its fan-voted G-Phoria Award winners for 2008 and G4's audience made it emphatically clear that Microsoft offers the most impressive gaming lineup in the industry, naming Xbox 360 Console of the Year, "Halo 3" the overall Game of the Year, and "Mass Effect" the Best Role-Playing Game of the Year. "Halo 3" earned an additional four nominations in the Best Shooter, Best Online Multiplayer Game, Longest Lasting Game, and Best Downloadable Content categories.

Overall, Xbox 360 garnered the most honorees with 15, followed by the Playstation 3's 14, while Nintendo's Wii offered only four winning titles. The Xbox 360's strengths were apparent as it was the only platform to offer all five nominees in the Best Downloadable Content category, and four nominees (including the winners) in both the Best Online Multiplayer and Best Shooter categories.

And we're projecting 2009 will be even bigger - we'll sell more consoles, sell more games, and continue to grow our online community at Xbox LIVE.

The NPD Group issued its July 2008 sales data today showing Xbox 360 as the current generation leader in consumer spend, game sales and software attach rate. Here is a snapshot:

· Since its launch, consumers have spent more than $10.4 billion on the Xbox 360 platform in the U.S., capturing 49% of share. (July NPD data)
· 205,000 Xbox 360 consoles were sold in July. (July NPD data)
· Xbox 360 titles accounted for $129 million, or 34% share, in game sales in July. Of that, Xbox 360 generated $121 million at retail for third-party publishers, or 42% of share. (July NPD data)
· Xbox 360 games accounted for four of the top ten games in July. (July NPD data)
· Xbox 360 has a record-setting attach rate of 7.9 games per console, the highest attach rate in history for a console at this point in its lifecycle. (July NPD data)

The announcements we made at E3 come to life beginning this fall with the new Xbox experience which will evolve and deepen the experience for hardcore gamers while inviting a whole new audience to come and play. Couple that with our exclusive partnership with Netflix and a blockbuster games library boasting more than 1,000 titles including "Lips," "You're in the Movies" and Best Action Game of E3 "Gears of War 2" (Game Critics Awards), and Xbox 360 is on track to deliver a record-breaking holiday and keep the momentum going into 2009.

NPD Data Shows Nintendo’ s Summer of Fun Isn’ t Done

Nintendo products kept people entertained in July, whether they wanted to get fit, rock out or just play around. According to the independent NPD Group, which tracks video game sales in the United States, Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ again claimed the top two hardware spots for July, with more than 608,000 DS units and more than 555,000 Wii units sold. Wii claimed a 49 percent share of all console sales in July, and extended its lead as the best-selling console of this generation. Nintendo DS represented a 73 percent share of hand-held sales in July.

Five games made for Nintendo systems placed in the top 10 best-selling games of the month, including Wii Fit ™ , with 369,603 units sold at No. 2; Guitar Hero ® : On Tour for Nintendo DS, with 309,695 units sold at No. 3; Wii Play ™ , with 284,035 units sold at No. 4; Mario Kart ® Wii , with 174,464 units sold at No. 7; and Rock Band for Wii, with 162,886 units sold at No. 8.

“ Great hardware goes hand-in-hand with great software,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’ s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “ Various types of games for the Nintendo systems are represented in the top 10, demonstrating how we continue to break down the barriers between veteran and new players.”

PlayStation by the Numbers - July 2008

PS3 Continues to Experience Strong Momentum; PS3 Demonstrates Hardware Sales Growth of 99 Percent Year-to-Date; PS3 Software Sales Growth Exceeds 206 Percent Year-to-Date

Total PlayStation Hardware Unit Sales Top 602,176

PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) again posted strong sales in July 2008, selling 224,900 hardware units, driven by the continued popularity of the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 bundle. From January to July 2008, more than 1.8 million PS3s have been sold in the U.S., representing a year-to-date hardware sales growth of 99%.

* Fueled by the introduction of 10 new first and third-party titles to the PS3 Greatest Hits program — including blockbusters such as MotorStorm, Warhawk, Resistance: Fall of Man and others — PS3 software sales showed growth of 206% year-to-date.
* SCEA will introduce an unmatched software line-up this holiday season and fiscal year with more than 140 first and third-party titles on Blu-ray disc for PS3, including SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Confrontation, Resistance 2, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, NBA ‘09: The Inside, and the award-winning LittleBigPlanet.
* The popularity of PLAYSTATION®Network continued to grow in July with the new PLAYSTATION Network video delivery service on PLAYSTATION®Store, the release of the Qore's Episode 03 and the launch of highly-anticipated games such as PixelJunk Eden and Siren: Blood Curse. As of June 2008, there are more than 10 million registered PLAYSTATION Network accounts worldwide and approximately 200 million pieces of content downloaded worldwide.

PSP experienced solid sales in July with 221,651 PSP hardware units sold, spurred by continued sales of the God of War: Chains of Olympus PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) bundle. This represents a year-to-date growth of 16%.

PlayStation®2 (PS2) also had a solid month in July, selling 155,510 hardware units. More than 42.5 million PS2s have been sold in the U.S. as of July 2008.

Power of the PlayStation Portfolio

The PlayStation brand continued to generate impressive sales across all three platforms, earning $388.6 million in July.
· Year to date (Jan-July), the PlayStation brand generated almost $3.3 billion in revenue, representing an increase of more than 22% year-to-date.
· PlayStation total hardware revenue was $608.7 million in July, representing a year-to-date growth of 23%.
· PlayStation total software revenue in July was $183.6 million, representing a year-to-date growth of over 28%.

CEO Perspective

"Our year-to-date sales growth of 99% for the PS3 reaffirms that consumers are indeed embracing PS3 as their entertainment hub-of-choice with its feature-rich offerings like Blu-ray and our recently announced video delivery service. With an unmatched software line-up that includes LittleBigPlanet, SOCOM: Confrontation, Resistance 2 and MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, and the anticipated launch of our new 80GB PS3 model, we're confident in a strong second half of the year and look forward to quickly addressing any inventory shortages due to the transition.

- Jack Tretton, president and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment America

samifan24

08-14-2008, 10:34 PM

Kodos

08-14-2008, 10:50 PM

Yep. There is no reason ever to buy expensive HDMI cords.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2008, 07:04 AM

I read on Crave yesterday that the Criterion Collection guys use a PS3 and a $5 HDMI cable from Amazon for their own in-house Blu-ray playback. I've wanted to buy a PS3 for a long time but this really helps. If it's good enough for the Criterion guys, it's good enough for me.

You can get all kinds of HDMI cables at monoprice.com for ridiculously cheap. There's no reason to every buy a HDMI cable in a retail store.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2008, 07:14 AM

First off, I'd like to apologize to Microsoft for jinxing them with my post detailing that they would handily win this month for their first substantial win this year.

With that said, this month was an abysmal month for both the 360 and the PS3. The PS3 didn't do better than the 360. It just did 'less worse' than the 360. These numbers make it abundantly clear that a price cut is needed in a bad way in September/October on both consoles, but especially the 360. I'm pretty surprised that Microsoft didn't learn from Sony that a clearance price cut that isn't really a price cut doesn't set the market on fire. Sony's lower number is a bit easier to take since they were coming off the MGS4 hangover, but if it persists through August/September, it becomes a similar problem to the 360's struggle.

Another interesting market trend to note is that Europe now has a increasingly firm grip on the largest market title. They continue to see market growth across the pond while the U.S. market has become stagnant in comparison. That trend should be much more concerning to Microsoft than a 20K loss in the U.S. to Sony during a weak summer month. I'm still completely floored that MS will not be holding a presser in Leipzig next week.

Fidatelo

08-15-2008, 07:49 AM

You can get all kinds of HDMI cables at monoprice.com for ridiculously cheap. There's no reason to every buy a HDMI cable in a retail store.

+1

stevew

08-15-2008, 08:50 AM

Worst comes to worst, and you need an HDMI rightthisminute go buy one at wal mart and then return it when your mail order comes in.

SackAttack

08-15-2008, 11:48 AM

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2008, 12:20 PM

That's okay. They outsold the PS3 and PS2 put together in Japan last week. If the Tales of Vesperia sales keep driving sales there and Infinite Undiscovery has a similar effect, I'd imagine they'll happily trade a month of domestic bleh for a month of foreign WTF.

I did see that. I'm interested to see what IU will do over there. It would be nice to see some 360 sales in Japan to push Sony to be more agressive in that region. Sony's been really lax thus far in Japan. It's like they just expect the PS3 to fly off the shelf because they're Sony and it's Japan. That doesn't cut it.

It's expected that Sony will be announcing some Japanese-targeted games at Tokyo Game Show this year. It'll be interesting to see what they present. Microsoft will obviously emphasize the Square Enix franchises coming on their console (IU and FFXIII).

SackAttack

08-15-2008, 12:54 PM

I did see that. I'm interested to see what IU will do over there. It would be nice to see some 360 sales in Japan to push Sony to be more agressive in that region. Sony's been really lax thus far in Japan. It's like they just expect the PS3 to fly off the shelf because they're Sony and it's Japan. That doesn't cut it.

It's expected that Sony will be announcing some Japanese-targeted games at Tokyo Game Show this year. It'll be interesting to see what they present. Microsoft will obviously emphasize the Square Enix franchises coming on their console (IU and FFXIII).

In Japan? Surely you meant Star Ocean.

Or do you know something I don't?

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-15-2008, 01:00 PM

In Japan? Surely you meant Star Ocean.

Or do you know something I don't?

I've heard that Star Ocean will come to the PS3 at some point, so it's most likely a timed exclusive.

You're correct on FFXIII, though I do think there will be some 360 import sales off of sites like Play Asia. There's a decent size base of U.S. 360's in Japan with the military presence and some Americans who live and work over there.

path12

08-15-2008, 02:56 PM

Amazing how many Mario Karts & Wii Fits sold considering I haven't seen one in two months. Those numbers could be so much bigger.

gstelmack

08-15-2008, 04:11 PM

My local Target has had pretty decent numbers of Mario Karts in stock.

A Wii Fit on the other hand is nowhere to be seen...

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-16-2008, 08:29 AM

Article on the changes Sony is making to the Cell processor. An enhanced version of the chip mentioned in this article is the one that will go into the PS4.

..... >> VFXWorld / News << ..... (http://www.vfxworld.com/?sa=adv&code=3631a5a1&atype=news&id=24377)

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-20-2008, 09:05 AM

Tons of trailers and news coming out of the conventions. New Killzone 2 trailer (HD).........

PSN! (http://psnow.es/index.php/video/play/killzone_2_online_multiplayer_trailer)

Lords of Shadow announced for XBLA and PSN.........

Gamekyo : Konami announced Lords of Shadow (http://www.gamekyo.com/video12707_konami-announced-lords-of-shadow.html)

Mirror's Edge Trailer..........

Gamekyo : Mirror's Edge first gameplay video (http://www.gamekyo.com/video12703_mirror-s-edge-first-gameplay-video.html)

New Little Big Planet trailer..........

Gametrailers.com - New LBP gameplay from Leipzig by Linufinu (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/255696.html)

First trailer for Codemasters' new game, titled 'Fuel'........

Gametrailers.com - Fuel - Debut Trailer HD (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/38527.html)

Will Wright states that Spore will also be released on the consoles........

Xbox 360 News : Spore coming to Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox360news.com/Blogs/News/hqs/blr_4361.aspx)

Video of Mohr and Caliendo doing the commentating on the new Blitz II game......

Loot Ninja » Blitz Recording Session: Frank Caliendo and Jay Mohr (http://loot-ninja.com/2008/08/19/blitz-recording-session-frank-caliendo-and-jay-mohr/)

New Madworld trailer.............

GameVideos - Mad World 'Games Con 2008' trailer Video (http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/20887)

Evidently, 30,000 Xbox 360 units was the entire Japanese inventory (makes sense given that they were only selling 1,000/week before that). I think MS was in a 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' scenario. If they produce additional units before the game comes out and they don't sell, they're screwed. If they don't produce additional units and they sell out, they're without any units for awhile and not in a position to capitalize on the demand over the next couple of weeks.........

Only In Japan: Japan Is TOTALLY Sold Out of Xbox 360s (New Shipment Next Month!) (http://kotaku.com/5039194/japan-is-totally-sold-out-of-xbox-360s-new-shipment-next-month)

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-20-2008, 11:06 AM

Sony announcements coming out of Leipzig............

• LittleBigPlanet - October 29th for PAL countries

• PSP model 3000 announced (almost same size as Slim&Light, smoother more curved corners, increased intensity and colors to lcd screen (also much less glare), built in microphone. October 15th in EMEA territories. 199euro w/game, Old PSP's will cost 169euro without)

• 160GB Limited Edition PS3 for 449euro (comes included with 70euro worth of DL games) October 31st.

• PS3 controller Keyboard add-on (attaches on top) with touch-pad for cursor control, coming for eight different languages

• Play-TV September 19th

• Vidzone for 23 PAL countries. Free Music streaming PS3 app (Q1 09), no charge. Downloads in Q3 09.

• Go!View Sky Service (PSP) set for Q3 08

• SingStar PS3: You can now rip your old PS2 SingStar games (PS3 firmware upgrade needed)

• SingStar DISNEY announced 'Singalong with Disney'

• SingStar Turkish Party (!) announced

• EyePet announced 'Stroke the animals, draw toys for them' Out next year

• Heavy Rain out in 2009

Obviously a bit heavy on the Singstar stuff along with music/video announcements due to the European market. The 160 GB machine was a surprise along with the keyboard (obviously similar to the 360 keyboard). I'm sure that Sony is excited to get LBP out in Europe as soon as possible, as it seems like a perfect fit to that market.

MikeVic

08-20-2008, 11:09 AM

What the hell is SingStar Turkish Party. Please someone tell me.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-20-2008, 11:20 AM

What the hell is SingStar Turkish Party. Please someone tell me.

I don't know, but I'm sure that a video will be posted and it will provide ample laughs from this side of the pond.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-20-2008, 12:04 PM

Here comes the Stateside announcements. 160 GB Uncharted bundle announced for the States. $499 price point. Also, two new PSP bundles were announced. One is a Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters bundle while the other bundle has a 4 GB memory card included. Also announced that the keyboard attachment will be coming to the States too............

PlayStation.Blog » Live from Leipzig: North American Hardware Announcements (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/08/20/live-from-leipzig-north-american-hardware-announcements/)

Trailer for Heavy Rain. Pretty stunning stuff. This game is going to be a huge hit or a Lair-like bomb.........

Gamekyo : Heavy Rain new video ! (http://www.gamekyo.com/video12722_heavy-rain-nouvelle-video.html)

Cringer

08-20-2008, 12:25 PM

First I have seen of Heavy Rain. That video didn't want to load for me but I will try it later. I did find the casting video and that was very cool. I had my hopes before finding it that it was a game based on the John Rain novels, but no big deal that it isn't. Just that one video makes it look damn cool.

Calis

08-20-2008, 04:54 PM

Heavy Rain people did Indigo Prophecy didn't they?

I actually enjoyed that game a fair amount. It had several flaws, but I thought overall it was a pretty cool attempt. Haven't read anything about the game itself though. Is it going to be along the same lines?

Guess I should watch the trailer. :)

Ryan S

08-20-2008, 06:42 PM

The 160 GB machine was a surprise along with the keyboard (obviously similar to the 360 keyboard).

I don't think it was a good idea to announce this a few days before the 80gb is released in Europe. I can see people cancelling their preorders until more information is released about the 160gb bundles.

SackAttack

08-20-2008, 07:54 PM

I don't think it was a good idea to announce this a few days before the 80gb is released in Europe. I can see people cancelling their preorders until more information is released about the 160gb bundles.

hint: twice the capacity, and possibly a one-year-old game bundled in for an extra hundred bucks.

Euros.

Whatever.

There's your difference!

(Yeah, announcing the new SKU in a territory before formally releasing the old one = bad idea)

MikeVic

08-20-2008, 08:54 PM

I'm waiting for the 80gb PS3 to be sold separately... when was this gonna happen again?

SackAttack

08-20-2008, 08:56 PM

If you were waiting for the 80 gb BC ones to get sold separately...good luck with that.

The 'new' 80 GBs? Already are at some stores. $400, no BC.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-21-2008, 07:13 AM

I'm waiting for the 80gb PS3 to be sold separately... when was this gonna happen again?

The new 80 GB machines are in stores this week. $399 price point.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-21-2008, 07:18 AM

Two new board games are on their way to XBLA/PSN.........

The Nut and the Feisty Weasel: Tide of Iron and Wings of War to XBL (http://nutweasel.blogspot.com/2008/08/tide-of-iron-and-wings-of-war-to-xbl.html)

Looks like the 360 bump in Japan is only going to last a week. The PS3 outsold the 360 at a 2:1 margin this week. With Microsoft's mismanagement of 360 stock in Japan, expect the consoles sales to drop significantly next week, likely back to the 1K numbers that they were averaging only 2 weeks ago.

Tales of Vesperia sales dropped 81% and it will be lucky to reach the 200K mark.

http://n4g.com/ps3/NewsCom-186860.aspx?CT=1#Comments

MikeVic

08-21-2008, 08:48 AM

If you were waiting for the 80 gb BC ones to get sold separately...good luck with that.

The 'new' 80 GBs? Already are at some stores. $400, no BC.

Oh, so the MGS4 bundle ones are BC and the stand-alone aren't BC? Will these 160GB Uncharted ones be BC?

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-21-2008, 09:18 AM

Oh, so the MGS4 bundle ones are BC and the stand-alone aren't BC? Will these 160GB Uncharted ones be BC?

The MGS4 bundle is BC.

The 80 GB stand-alone and the 160 GB Uncharted PS3 are both not BC.

It should be noted that one of the worst kept rumors in the industry is that Sony does have a team working on software-based backward compatibility for the 40 GB, 80 GB, and the 160 GB machines that currently do not support backwards compatibility. The hang-up is that there's been no firm date for release, so no guarantees on how long you wait even if it does come to pass. Also, software-based BC will likely not cover 100% of PS2 games, so your mileage may vary there as well.

If you really want BC, you should go ahead and buy a MGS4 bundle or a 60GB/80GB used PS3. There are also used 20GB models that can be HDD upgraded to a 100MB machine for under $100.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-21-2008, 10:07 AM

Price cut for the 360 is now confirmed via print ads that were leaked. Price cuts will go into effect the week of September 7th.

Arcade - $199
Pro - $299
Elite - $399

Xbox 360 price cut confirmed for week of September 7th - NeoGAF (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=332218)

MikeVic

08-21-2008, 10:10 AM

Thanks for the info. I don't know how much I need BC, so once I'm ready to go out and buy a PS3, I'll just see what's out there... probably in a month or two.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-21-2008, 10:18 AM

Some good news for those that are interested in worldwide sales numbers. Looks like the retail tracking companies are going to put together a worldwide sales chart. The system will only be tracking the U.K. in Europe and will not have Australian numbers, so it won't be a totally accurate picture, but there's no question it's a good step in the right direction.

Leading Market Research Firms Join Forces to Provide First Multi-CONTINENT View of Video Game software sales

New Report Provides Comprehensive View of Global Video Games Sales in World’s Largest Games Markets

NEW YORK, TOKYO, LONDON, August 21, 2008 – Leading providers of consumer and retail information in the video games industry, The NPD Group, GfK Chart-Track Limited and Enterbrain, Inc., today announced the release of Top Global Markets Report, the first report to integrate point-of-sale (POS) data for video game software sales in the world’s largest games markets.

The leading games information sources in the U.S, U.K. and Japan – the largest games markets in the world – have joined forces to provide the gaming industry with a single source for sales data providing detailed insight into what’s happening in these important markets.

Top Global Markets Report gives the video game industry the ability to equip itself with a monthly report that provides jointly-contributed, title-level video games software sales by country. Data can be viewed as an integrated total market view or as side-by-side country comparisons.

“The video games business has become increasingly global, with the majority of the publishers releasing games in multiple markets,” said Anita Frazier, industry analyst, The NPD Group. “The U.S, as the world’s largest market will be able to view and compare sales for the first time outside of their own market.”

The report allows users to track titles, unit sales and share, as well as dollar sales and revenue share in order to quickly respond to shifts in the marketplace. It gives users the ability to know the market and competitors across countries in order to analyze and respond to global gaming market trends.

"We are excited to be working more closely with NPD and Enterbrain,” said John Pinder, Managing Director, GfK Chart-Track Limited. “This partnership represents a great opportunity to benefit not only our clients but the industry as a whole by providing a comprehensive, industry-supported view of sales across the three largest video game markets,

“We are very grateful to start such a valuable service and alliance with NPD and GfK Chart-Track Limited,” said Hirokazu Hamamura, President, Enterbrain, Inc. “This service gives us the ability to better help game publishers and developers by providing them with a more global view of market performance.”

SackAttack

08-21-2008, 10:34 AM

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-22-2008, 08:10 AM

Chicken and the egg a little bit, don't you think? Did sales of Tales drop 81% because interest was short-lived, or because there weren't any Xboxes to play it on?

Interest in Japan has always been that way. There's a much bigger early buy than we see in Europe or North America. As a result, the number plummet pretty quickly. I have no doubt that Microsoft hurt themselves by not having adequate stock for that very reason. If you miss the boat early in Japan, you'll miss it altogether.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-22-2008, 08:11 AM

Gamestop reporting that Wii stock lasting 3-4 days after shipment day. Get them now if you want one, because that will tighten up by October........

Gamasutra - GameStop Plans For PS3/Xbox 360 Price Cuts, No Threat From Digital Distro (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19952)

New HD movie of Prince of Persia gameplay..........

GC08 Gameplay Walkthrough - Voodoo Extreme (http://ve3d.ign.com/videos/play/36024/PC/Prince-of-Persia)

Infinite Undiscovery slated for 20-25 hours of gameplay on two disks.......

X08: Infinite Undiscovery discovered on two discs - Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/x08-infinite-undiscovery-discovered-on-two-discs/)

Pretty impressive glare comparison on the old vs. new PSP. The new version definitely has some major glare improvements.........

NeoGAF - View Single Post - Sony PSP 3000 announced (Mic/Better screen) - Compare in Post #245 WOW (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=12488117&postcount=245)

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-23-2008, 06:56 AM

Home developer confirms that it will be released this holiday season........

IGN: PlayStation Home Preview (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/902/902322p1.html)

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-25-2008, 07:12 AM

samifan24

08-25-2008, 07:54 AM

Looks like the DLC for the Xbox 360 version of GTA4 is planned to be pretty large. Cost is reportedly $20.

The Bitbag » GTAIV DLC Rumored To Be Huge And Cost 1600 MS Points (http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/08/23/gtaiv-dlc-rumored-to-be-huge-and-cost-1600-ms-points/)

SonyStyle just increased the incentive price on the PS3. If you buy a PS3 with a Sony Style card, you now get $150 off (was $100 before). So a PS3 can be had for as little as $250.

Get $150 card credit (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644488778&XID=A:2244742:10396361::CJ)

I believe that $150 credit is limited to purchasing a PS3 directly from Sony's own website. In the past, it was my understanding that you could purchase a PS3 at any "authorized retailer," ie, any major brick and mortar store, and receive the $100 credit. I don't think this is the case now, although I could be confused by the verbiage of the offer.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-25-2008, 08:01 AM

I believe that $150 credit is limited to purchasing a PS3 directly from Sony's own website. In the past, it was my understanding that you could purchase a PS3 at any "authorized retailer," ie, any major brick and mortar store, and receive the $100 credit. I don't think this is the case now, although I could be confused by the verbiage of the offer.

The $150 credit is for any store, not just Sony's store. Several posters on relevant message boards have reported getting the $150 credit at Best Buy, Circuit City, and Wal-Mart. The previous offer was $100 at any store.

Big Fo

08-25-2008, 07:34 PM

Nice one by MBBF pointing out the incorrect thread title :D

Cringer

08-25-2008, 07:44 PM

Looks like the DLC for the Xbox 360 version of GTA4 is planned to be pretty large. Cost is reportedly $20.

The Bitbag » GTAIV DLC Rumored To Be Huge And Cost 1600 MS Points (http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/08/23/gtaiv-dlc-rumored-to-be-huge-and-cost-1600-ms-points/)

Love that guy commenting on that site.....

SoeKnee, on August 23rd, 2008 at 8:07 pm (http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/08/23/gtaiv-dlc-rumored-to-be-huge-and-cost-1600-ms-points/#comment-2459) Said:
Great site guys good info! I cannot wait to get this for my PS3 come November.
http://www.gravatar.com/avatar.php?gravatar_id=fce366f26cbb2bfaaf66a6a6d679507f&rating=R&size=60&default=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thebitbag.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fdefault_avatar.gif Bullywithafully01, on August 23rd, 2008 at 9:15 pm (http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/08/23/gtaiv-dlc-rumored-to-be-huge-and-cost-1600-ms-points/#comment-2461) Said:
dont know if you where paying attention but its coming for the 360
http://www.gravatar.com/avatar.php?gravatar_id=59367377cdf9a01a7021818b5f3cbae1&rating=R&size=60&default=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thebitbag.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fdefault_avatar.gif SoeKnee, on August 23rd, 2008 at 9:49 pm (http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/08/23/gtaiv-dlc-rumored-to-be-huge-and-cost-1600-ms-points/#comment-2462) Said:
Are you being serious? It will come out for the PS3 im sure.

MikeVic

08-25-2008, 10:40 PM

The $150 credit is for any store, not just Sony's store. Several posters on relevant message boards have reported getting the $150 credit at Best Buy, Circuit City, and Wal-Mart. The previous offer was $100 at any store.

Does this credit thing work in Canada?

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-26-2008, 07:12 AM

Does this credit thing work in Canada?

It would appear that it does. I read through the itty-bitty print and the card is offered by 'Chase Cards USA, NA', so the card covers all of North America. There was nothing in the fine print that excluded Canadian residents. My suggestion would be to call Chase Cards or send an e-mail to the support staff at the Sony Style website. Both of them could likely give you an answer pretty quickly.

I noticed also that if you purchase the PS3 on the card through the Sony Style store, you can get 12 months with no interest on the purchase. So you can pay off the $250 over 12 months without any penalty, which is a pretty nice deal for those that don't have the full amount right now.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-26-2008, 07:14 AM

Love that guy commenting on that site.....

Which one? The 'if you where paying attention' guy or the PS3 fanboy?

Both were obviously in the top 5% of the freshman class last year. :)

MikeVic

08-26-2008, 08:40 AM

It would appear that it does. I read through the itty-bitty print and the card is offered by 'Chase Cards USA, NA', so the card covers all of North America. There was nothing in the fine print that excluded Canadian residents. My suggestion would be to call Chase Cards or send an e-mail to the support staff at the Sony Style website. Both of them could likely give you an answer pretty quickly.

I noticed also that if you purchase the PS3 on the card through the Sony Style store, you can get 12 months with no interest on the purchase. So you can pay off the $250 over 12 months without any penalty, which is a pretty nice deal for those that don't have the full amount right now.

I clicked on Apply Now, and just saw this somewhere in the middle of the main form (noticed there was no space for Canadian addresses):

"Note: You must be a U.S. resident to apply. No P.O. boxes please."

Boo... this would've pushed me to a PS3 for sure.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-26-2008, 08:43 AM

I clicked on Apply Now, and just saw this somewhere in the middle of the main form (noticed there was no space for Canadian addresses):

"Note: You must be a U.S. resident to apply. No P.O. boxes please."

Boo... this would've pushed me to a PS3 for sure.

How close do you live to the border? :)

MikeVic

08-26-2008, 08:44 AM

About an hour or so.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-26-2008, 02:00 PM

This actually looks like it could be a lot of fun. I played the original game quite a bit............

Red Baron Arcade to Take-off on PlayStation Network Sept. 18

This is your captain speaking. Strap on that flight suit, as Sierra Online has cleared Red Baron Arcade for take-off on PlayStation network on Sept. 18, 2008. An intense arcade air combat game with online multiplayer capabilities, Red Baron Arcade follows burgeoning pilots as they take to the unfriendly skies and compete to rise through the ranks of the Red Baron’s squadron.

Set in the midst of World War I, Red Baron Arcade pits players against the best pilots of the century in devious dogfights, where they must swoop and dodge their way to victory. Manning the gun turrets on WWI-themed aircraft, players can battle conniving computer AI, or wage war against up to seven other aspiring “Aces” online in Deathmatch, Team-Deathmatch, and Capture the Flag modes.

Co-piloting with the release of Red Baron Arcade will be a free PlayStation Network demo of the game. And as a PlayStation Network first, recruits will get a taste of the multiplayer action to test their acrobatic flying skills against other Red Baron Arcade pilots in a special battle arena available in the Red Baron Arcade demo for up to eight players online.
Trailer:
YouTube - Red Baron Arcade for PlayStation Network (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3gW5IpvZHM)

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-27-2008, 07:37 AM

New Infinite Undiscovery video now up.........

Gamekyo : Infinite Undiscovery: new video (http://www.gamekyo.com/video12838_infinite-undiscovery-new-video.html)

PS3 Day at the Amazon Goldbox site. Prices for the games will be posted when they go up for sale. Below is the list.......

http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox

Deal of the Day: Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

6AM PDT Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII

10AM PDT Playstation 3 Logitech Driving Force GT Racing Wheel

12PM PDT Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

2PM PDT Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

4PM PDT Devil May Cry 4

6PM PDT Haze

Big Fo

08-27-2008, 08:45 AM

I might get Ratchet depending on how good the deal is. GT5 Prologue was tempting but I can hold out for the real deal.

MikeVic

08-27-2008, 08:55 AM

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-27-2008, 10:01 AM

Quick question about the PS3... I was told that you could access your computer through your home network and play MP3s, videos, look at pictures, etc. on the TV that the PS3 is connected to...

What are the limitations on this? Can I access any .mpg, .avi, etc. video files? I'm guessing you can't play .wma music files... and I'd assume .jpg are handled for images...

Here's a few good threads on how to set up file sharing. There have been some recent firmware updates that have added additional functionality and there are various programs you can download to the PS3 to play some of the files that the PS3 can't handle directly. I believe that the 2.5 firmware update may have additional multimedia options.

Here's a couple of threads from the Playstation board..........

Apache Tomcat/5.5 - Error report (http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message%3fboard.id=ps3media%26thread.id=47608)

Apache Tomcat/5.5 - Error report (http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message%3fboard.id=ps3media%26message.id=111889)

This thread has some good pictures to help set up the file sharing.........

GameSpot Forums - PlayStation 3 - How to setup Media Server (http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums/show_msgs.php%3ftopic_id=25653426)

FYI....search 'how to access pc from ps3' on any search engine to find more info.

Calis

08-27-2008, 12:13 PM

I use TVersity as a media server on my PS3 and while it was a bit of a pain to get working properly, it will now play almost anything I throw at it. Very cool program, and something we usually constantly at my place. You can get it running pretty easily but if you want it to support nearly everything it can get kind of hairy.

Another cool program I heard about this week that I encourage people try out is PlayOn, which only took a simple install and then my PS3 automatically found it and I was ready to go. This program allows you to view all the things on Hulu.com which is a ton, and has a couple other sites, and has Netflix support on the way. Works great though.

http://www.themediamall.com/playon

There's the website for PlayOn. It's not a free application, but you get a 60 day beta trial when you grab it. I thin it's only $30 after that so I'm almost certainly buying it when my trial ends.

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-28-2008, 07:42 AM

Early Infinite Undiscovery review is out. IGN gives it a 7.1.

Infinite Undiscovery review (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/902/902768p1.html)

Pretty rough deal for 360 users as there was hopes that Too Human and Infinite Undiscovery would help the fall exclusive lineup for the 360, which was already relatively thin. Both have not reviewed well.

MikeVic

08-28-2008, 08:43 AM

Here's a few good threads on how to set up file sharing. There have been some recent firmware updates that have added additional functionality and there are various programs you can download to the PS3 to play some of the files that the PS3 can't handle directly. I believe that the 2.5 firmware update may have additional multimedia options.

Here's a couple of threads from the Playstation board..........

Apache Tomcat/5.5 - Error report (http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message%3fboard.id=ps3media%26thread.id=47608)

Apache Tomcat/5.5 - Error report (http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message%3fboard.id=ps3media%26message.id=111889)

This thread has some good pictures to help set up the file sharing.........

GameSpot Forums - PlayStation 3 - How to setup Media Server (http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums/show_msgs.php%3ftopic_id=25653426)

FYI....search 'how to access pc from ps3' on any search engine to find more info.

The first two links give me some error. I used the third link to get MP3s to show up on my new PS3, but .AVI files are not showing up... I had .MPG files show up and now they're flaky. I've had to reset my computer and turn off/on my PS3 multiple times to get changes to show up from my media server, but I'm guessing that's just how it is.

I use TVersity as a media server on my PS3 and while it was a bit of a pain to get working properly, it will now play almost anything I throw at it. Very cool program, and something we usually constantly at my place. You can get it running pretty easily but if you want it to support nearly everything it can get kind of hairy.

Another cool program I heard about this week that I encourage people try out is PlayOn, which only took a simple install and then my PS3 automatically found it and I was ready to go. This program allows you to view all the things on Hulu.com which is a ton, and has a couple other sites, and has Netflix support on the way. Works great though.

PlayOn! | MediaMall Technologies (http://www.themediamall.com/playon)

There's the website for PlayOn. It's not a free application, but you get a 60 day beta trial when you grab it. I thin it's only $30 after that so I'm almost certainly buying it when my trial ends.

Did you start using a 3rd-party program because you found that video files weren't even showing up on the PS3?

Big Fo

08-29-2008, 07:22 AM

An interesting article about "greener gaming."

link (http://checkoutblog.com/entries/2008/8/28/green_gaming__yup.aspx)

This has been a very interesting week for us in Bentonville. We had the opportunity to bring in folks from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony as well as Electronic Arts, Activision and American Game Factory for a “green gaming summit.” It was truly eye opening. We also had a representative from the Natural Resources Defense Council to assist us in this process. We talked about a lot at this meeting about packaging, power consumption and education. There is a lot of work to be done and I am really proud that Sam’s Club is helping to drive this change. Here are some things we discussed:

* There were about 101 Million games sold in plastic cases last year. That translates into green house gas emissions equal to over 9,000 cars!
* Some of the next generation consoles can be used to play DVD or Blu-Ray media. Doing this uses more energy, a LOT more, than a stand alone DVD or Blu-Ray player.
* If we left one of a sample of our next generation consoles on 24/7/365, we consume as much energy as TWO refrigerators in that same timeframe!
* If half of us did this, consoles alone would consume as much energy as it takes to power a city like San Diego.

It really made me take pause and question what I am doing as a part of the industry to make a difference. I have a small daughter and want to ensure that she has a better life then I do. Certainly, that is the hope of all parents in the world. So, what can we do?

* Switching to cardboard packaging would be like taking almost 4,000 cars off the road in terms of equivalent green house gas emissions.
* Working with console manufacturers on coding and power usage design can reduce the power consumption when we use our devices for media playback.
* Developing software and hardware that allows us to save the game so we do not have to leave it on would allow us to turn it off during a meal break or overnight without loosing our place. Additionally, come clever programming would allow the console to go into a lower power, standby mode when not in use.
* Focusing on the next generation of consoles would allow the machines to be built from the ground up to use less power while providing an even better experience.

There is no reason that we cannot make such a difference. We believe that games are an important and worthwhile part of our lives. They can enrich our experiences, allow us to relax and explore while challenging our skills mentally and in some cases physically. The goals of sustainability and the gaming experience are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, they should move forward on the same track. I am proud to be a part of this and ensure that we are helping influence the industry to become even more sustainable. It is time to change the game as we should not be playing games with the environment.

How important is this to you as a gamer? Did you know about power usage and consoles? Would it make a difference to you as a consumer if you had options? Are you ready for a green gaming revolution?

I don't want to trash the environment and all but I do like plastic game cases and that the PS3 plays Blu-Rays and DVDs. Those cardboard boxes from the SNES days just don't hold up all that well and I doubt video games will ever be half as popular as refrigerators. There's probably some more pressing environmental concerns to sort out before this.

Big Fo

08-29-2008, 07:25 AM

Square-Enix to buy Tecmo?

kotaku.com link (http://kotaku.com/5043307/square-enix-plans-to-take-over-tecmo)

Tecmo Bowl RPG plz...

Mizzou B-ball fan

08-29-2008, 07:33 AM

EA complains that second hand sales are killing them. Here's a novel idea.......how about you start releasing quality games that make people want to buy them at full price at release rather than releasing crapware that is often sold back quickly by early adopters and floods the market with used copies of your games? Instead of that, they're looking for another way to maximize revenue rather than fixing the core problem.

EA: Second-hand sales are a "critical situation" // News (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ea-second-hand-sales-are-a-critical-situation)

Tough break for Microsoft holiday lineup. GTAIV exclusive DLC now not coming until early 2009.

videogaming247 » Blog Archive » Source: GTA IV DLC to launch in “January or February” next year (http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/08/28/source-gta-iv-dlc-to-launch-in-january-or-february-next-year/)

KWhit

08-29-2008, 07:37 AM

An interesting article about "greener gaming."

link (http://checkoutblog.com/entries/2008/8/28/green_gaming__yup.aspx)

I don't want to trash the environment and all but I do like plastic game cases and that the PS3 plays Blu-Rays and DVDs. Those cardboard boxes from the SNES days just don't hold up all that well and I doubt video games will ever be half as popular as refrigerators. There's probably some more pressing environmental concerns to sort out before this.

I completely disagree. I love it that they are keeping the environment in mind in their business and discussing ways to do better. This is what all companies/industries should be doing. Certainly the power consumption of consoles is a drop in the bucket compared to cars or refrigerators (to use their example), but it's not like these people are saying, "Where should we spend our time? Making greener cars or videogames? Videogames it is!"

No. The industry is simply looking to see what they can do better. And if it means that I'll get games in cardboard instead of plastic, I'm all for it.

If everyone does what they can to improve their environmental impact, we'll be in a MUCH better place.

Big Fo

08-29-2008, 07:46 AM

That's a good point the environment will be helped by looking at ways to reduce pollution all across the board as opposed to only focusing on cars, factories, and other big pollutants. I would like to see the next-gen machines use less power for sure. It's just those cardboard boxes, ugh...

MikeVic

08-29-2008, 09:56 AM

TVersity worked with .AVI, and seemed more solid than Media Player with regards to refreshing files I added. Thanks for the recommendation.

Anyone have a recommendation for an app to use on the Mac? A coworker tried something but it didn't work well.

Deattribution

08-29-2008, 02:15 PM

Wouldn't shipping in cardboard boxes mean having to cut down millions of trees to make them?

MikeVic

08-29-2008, 03:23 PM

Where do you guys buy Blu Ray movies? The best I've seen are 2/$50 deals at stores...

hukarez

08-29-2008, 03:41 PM

Where do you guys buy Blu Ray movies? The best I've seen are 2/$50 deals at stores...

I usually snag the ones on sale (like my Rambo collection), but my friend swears by eBay for his movies.

MikeVic

08-29-2008, 03:43 PM

I usually snag the ones on sale (like my Rambo collection), but my friend swears by eBay for his movies.

I mean, how much do sale Blu Rays cost? Do they get cheaper than 2/$50?

hukarez

08-29-2008, 05:40 PM

I mean, how much do sale Blu Rays cost? Do they get cheaper than 2/$50?

For me, honestly, it's usually at Fry's or Best Buy where I"ll snag a BD movie.

I guess a BD movie on sale that I'd take note at are ones that go for $24 @ Best Buy, and some that have hit $19 over at Fry's.

Lately, I've been doing the whole Box-Set thing (Rambo, Starship F'in Troopers Trilogy) during the initial sale at Best Buy where $10-$20 gets knocked off or what not. As for average pricing that I've seen, it's usually $22.99 - $34.99 that I see movies run for. In all honesty, I suppose that 2/$50 (compared to where I go locally here in town) seems like a better deal.

If you're looking for cheaper prices, then you'd probably want to take my friend's route of eBay - but I don't have the patience for auction sites. I think he picked up Casino Royale for $11 or so on BD.

Not sure if I've addressed your inquiry, but that's just my in my location of interest over here. =l

Calis

08-31-2008, 05:43 PM

Big Fo

08-31-2008, 06:41 PM

Well the brutal(on my wallet) gaming part of the year is officially here for me. I picked up Tales of Vesperia on Friday and have really been enjoying it. Very fun JRPG for anyone who's interested in the genre. Just got back from Best Buy to pick up Mercenaries 2 as well, which I've heard mixed reviews on but I loved the first one so I couldn't pass it up.

It's only going to get worse also. I'm going to end up with a load of unfinished games.

Yeah I know what you mean. September alone is a real killer. I try and keep myself from only buying one or two games a month but there's over a half dozen good games coming out that I'm going to want to play. I'll have to rent a few of them down the road or pick them up cheap in early 09.

Spore, Civ IV: Colonization, and Dragon Quest IV are must haves so I'll have to pass on NHL 09, Wario Land: Shake It, and Kirby Superstar Ultra for now.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-02-2008, 07:37 AM

Couple of new announcements for some PS3 exclusives.

1. Little Big Planet will have downloadable Disney characters and levels.
2. Infamous is now slated for a May 2009 release date.

Also, saw an interesting post over at Kotaku talking about the shift of development resources away from Japan and into other markets. Development resources have moved to the U.S., Europe, and even India. The HD console market is quickly becoming a two sided war, with the 360 being the better selling console in North America, while the PS3 has now moved ahead in Europe despite the late start.

Payton: Japan's No Longer the Center of the Gaming Universe and Developers Know It (http://kotaku.com/5043900/payton-japans-no-longer-the-center-of-the-gaming-universe-and-developers-know-it)

Calis

09-03-2008, 07:02 AM

The new Tiger Woods with 4-player simultaneous play is a thing of beauty. I can't believe they took this long to implement that. Had a blast playing it last night.

wade moore

09-03-2008, 07:23 AM

The new Tiger Woods with 4-player simultaneous play is a thing of beauty. I can't believe they took this long to implement that. Had a blast playing it last night.

4-player simultaneous play? Can you explain?

Calis

09-03-2008, 07:27 AM

4-player simultaneous play? Can you explain?

You can go online with up to 4 other people. You actually don't have to wait for your turn, you're all hitting at once. You'll see the ball and trail for the other players shots in a different color moving along the course. You set a timer beforehand putting a cap of say 30 seconds per shot.

It works great. You can play through a round very quickly and still have the fun of playing multi.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-03-2008, 07:41 AM

You can go online with up to 4 other people. You actually don't have to wait for your turn, you're all hitting at once. You'll see the ball and trail for the other players shots in a different color moving along the course. You set a timer beforehand putting a cap of say 30 seconds per shot.

It works great. You can play through a round very quickly and still have the fun of playing multi.

That has been in Hot Shots Golf already. It's certainly not a new feature to the golf genre.

wade moore

09-03-2008, 07:41 AM

that sounds pretty cool.

Calis

09-03-2008, 12:59 PM

I don't think anyone said it was a new feature. It was also in the 360 version of Links several years ago. EA is just doing the usual belated adaptation of great mechanics.

I'm actually liking the new Tiger more than even the newest Hot Shots which I loved. I still like Hot Shots swing mechanic more, but apart from that and the graphics I think Tiger trumps it this year. It's not a major overhaul but enough tweaks and additions to make it a pretty fun game.

I didn't play last years, because I heard terrible things about it..so I can't compare how much has changed, but this seems to be getting pretty positive reviews.

Cringer

09-05-2008, 01:51 AM

I guess I will post this in this thread. Maybe we should just start a long-running 360 Games thread or something, I don't know.

So the wife and daughter went to Target and picked up Viva Pinata: Trouble In Paradise, aka VP 2. She got the first one has has played it for 2 years now, even up until last week. She has never really tired of it. In fact it was last week I was looking something up for her about it online that I discovered #2 was coming out this week. She was extremely excited as I showed her all the videos and stuff I could find on it.

So we got it and started playing it. Very good version of the game so far. Graphics are pretty much the same, maybe a little better. They made everything better though and that is why it is great so far. More pinatas, better camera control, new areas, new tasks, different play modes. You can play two at a time with the 2nd person helping the 1st (which I am sure we will try this weekend).

They pulled a couple Nintendo trickswhich I can't blame them. There are these little cards you can get (5 free come in the Target version of the game) that kind of push you into getting the web/gamecam attachment. If you have it then you put the card in front of it and the pinata on the card will be transported into the game. They also have XBox Live gameplay now, and include a free download of an episode of the cartoon in the box. Smart moves I think on both things, along with pricing the game at $39.99 when I expected the typical price of $59.99.

Just an early impression, but I think they have done more to expand this game and they did it well. It is a fun little game for myself, and my daughters favorite game hands down. Now she can actually get me to play at the same time which she is going to love I think.

SackAttack

09-05-2008, 03:53 AM

Wouldn't shipping in cardboard boxes mean having to cut down millions of trees to make them?

Well, unless you went largely cardboard from recycled materials.

That said, I don't think we're talking the little skinny cardboard cases that we saw in the SNES days.

Particularly not with optical media instead of plastic cartridges.

My guess is, we'll see plastic-reinforced cardboard, kind of along the lines of some of the "green" jewel cases we've seen from the recording industry.

Plastic still gets used for the disc spindle and such, but the outer part of the package winds up being cardboard. Still goes on the shelf the way a blu-ray or DVD case does, but winds up being much, much slimmer. And "greener."

SackAttack

09-05-2008, 03:56 AM

I mean, how much do sale Blu Rays cost? Do they get cheaper than 2/$50?

Yes they can, and do.

Well, I can't speak for Canada, but in the US, they do.

I've got around 60 BD's, and I can count on one hand the number of BD's I've paid more than $15 for. Heck, Best Buy and some online retailers have a handful of Fox titles for around $15 this week.

You aren't going to walk into any random B&M and see them for that price the way you do regular DVDs (although that day is coming), but with any kind of diligence at all, you can find most major consumer films in the $15-20 range.

Not true of all movies. I'm still trying to find The Counterfeiters in that price range, but since it's a foreign language movie, it may take me a while.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-05-2008, 07:46 AM

Yes they can, and do.

Well, I can't speak for Canada, but in the US, they do.

I've got around 60 BD's, and I can count on one hand the number of BD's I've paid more than $15 for. Heck, Best Buy and some online retailers have a handful of Fox titles for around $15 this week.

You aren't going to walk into any random B&M and see them for that price the way you do regular DVDs (although that day is coming), but with any kind of diligence at all, you can find most major consumer films in the $15-20 range.

Not true of all movies. I'm still trying to find The Counterfeiters in that price range, but since it's a foreign language movie, it may take me a while.

Yeah, the pricing of Blu-ray discs has been a pleasant surprise. They're not quite down to DVD pricing yet, but the difference in pricing is coming down much quicker than most industry experts had predicted. The large influx of Blu-ray players this holiday season should help as well. I haven't paid more than $20 for any Blu-ray movie.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-05-2008, 07:47 AM

Tons of new stories coming out of PAX 2008 and the build-up to TGS 2008. Eurogamer suggests GTAIV DLC may come this November instead of 2009........

videogaming247 » Blog Archive » EG source: GTA IV DLC on track for November (http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/09/04/eg-source-gta-iv-dlc-on-track-for-november/)

6 new Little Big Planet videos from PAX 2008.............

Gametrailers.com - LittleBigPlanet - PAX 08: Walkthrough Part 1 (Cam) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/39474.html)
Gametrailers.com - LittleBigPlanet - PAX 08: Walkthrough Part 2 (Cam) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/39475.html)
Gametrailers.com - LittleBigPlanet - PAX 2008: Walkthrough Part 3 (Cam) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/39483.html)
Gametrailers.com - LittleBigPlanet - PAX 2008: Walkthrough Part 4 (Cam) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/39487.html)
Gametrailers.com - LittleBigPlanet - PAX 2008: Walkthrough Part 5 (Cam) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/39507.html)
Gametrailers.com - LittleBigPlanet - PAX 2008: Walkthrough Part 6 (Cam) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/39534.html)

New Resistance 2 gameplay video.........

Gametrailers.com - Resistance 2 - PAX 2008: Log Cabin Gameplay (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/39480.html)

Hands on preview of Resistance 2 8 player co-op campaign mode......

Feature : Resistance 2: EXCLUSIVE Co-op and Leviathan Details! [PS3] - from GamePro.com (http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/206990/resistance-2-exclusive-co-op-and-leviathan-details/)

Rumor circulating that Kingdom Hearts 3 is a PS3 exclusive. Possible announcement at Tokyo Game Show.........

RUMOR: OPM Rumor’s Kingdom Hearts III at TGS « GOONL!NE (http://gamzsonev3.wordpress.com/2008/08/31/rumor-opm-rumors-kingdom-hearts-iii-at-tgs/)

White Knight Chronicles now dated as a December 11th release in Japan. Here's a recent trailer.........

WKC Releasing December 11th(Japan)[I Told You So, Thread] - GameTrailers.com Forums (http://forums.gametrailers.com/showthread.php?t=534600)

sterlingice

09-05-2008, 07:58 AM

That's a shame, about Kingdom Hearts. I always thought it would have a better home on Nintendo consoles :(

SI

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-05-2008, 08:01 AM

That's a shame, about Kingdom Hearts. I always thought it would have a better home on Nintendo consoles :(

SI

There a good chance that a spinoff game from Kingdom Hearts 2 could make it to the Wii or DS. This specific rumor only relates to KH3.

cartman

09-05-2008, 08:43 AM

sterlingice

09-05-2008, 09:15 AM

There a good chance that a spinoff game from Kingdom Hearts 2 could make it to the Wii or DS. This specific rumor only relates to KH3.

IIRC, there's already a KH game slated for the DS.

SI

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-05-2008, 10:27 AM

IIRC, there's already a KH game slated for the DS.

SI

You probably are right. I knew one was likely, but hadn't seen anything official. Probably just missed it.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-05-2008, 10:30 AM

It is not good when one of the pioneers of the format says that Blu-Ray only has "5 years left".

Samsung: Blu-ray Has Five Years Left, OLED the Next Big Thing - Tom's Hardware (http://www.tomshardware.com/news/samsung-blu-ray-bluray-oled,6314.html)

Obviously, you omitted the comment immediately afterwards that stated that the format 'is going to be huge'.

FWIW......there's a lot of executives that make a lot of claims about how things will be 5-10 years from now. They're rarely correct. There's not a single analyst that was right about any of the consoles in this current gen.

MikeVic

09-07-2008, 03:13 PM

Regarding TVersity... it seems after I reboot after an install, the service/sharing never works again. Anyone have this problem?

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 07:46 AM

New book is being released detailing the story behind the high failure rate of the Xbox 360 console. Bullet points are listed below.........

-In August 2005, a quality engineer asked management to shut down the manufacturing line due to quality control issues. 68% of the units being produced at that time were defective. Manufacturing continued without stoppage.

-Also in August 2005, overheating chips, cracking heat sinks, cosmetic issues with the HDD and front panel, under-performing graphics memory chips, and a DVD drive problem were all reported but were not addressed.

-Chip yields on the three-core microprocessor in August 2005 were only 16% (83% were faulty).

-Design engineer staff in AMD and Microsoft were both severely understaffed.

-Microsoft executives Peter Moore and Robbie Bach were ultimately responsible for the decision to release the Xbox 360 with major defects while concerns in the company were high that the return rate would be out of control. Lack of testing lead to incomplete data for the executive decision makers.

-The reason for the shortage of Xbox 360's throughout its lifespan was the high defect rate of 360's coming off the processing line, not a shortage due to high sales. Best case scenario in late 2005 was that 70% of Xbox 360's produced would make it to the store shelves, and even that was a rare feat.

-Microsoft saved $2 million dollars in early 2005 by cutting back pre-release testing, which lead to many problems not being found.

-In March 2006, 3.3 million consoles had been shipped. Already at that point, 500,000 Xbox 360's had been returned. Support staff was working double shifts to keep up with the complaint call volume.

-In spring 2006, the yield rate on the new Zephyr model, which was designed to reduce defects, was 50-75%. Best case scenario was that 25% of the consoles produced were defective and never even left the factory.

-By early 2007 (15 months after release), over 1.2 million consoles had been returned. This doesn't even include the hundreds of thousands of defective units that never made it to the retail shelves.

-In 2007, Microsoft created the Falcon chipset, hoping to fix the problem. Yield rate on that line was only 85%, well under the 90%+ rate that they were hoping for. In addition, internal memos show that the IBM microprocessors were still exhibiting "excessive failures".

-The 'shortage' of Xbox 360's in the first 6 months of 2007 was an attempt to try to fix the high failure rates in the console. The PR comments by Microsoft that there was a shortage of the console due to high sales was totally fabricated.

-At the beginning of 2008, 15% of the Xbox 360's being produced were defective and never left the factory. Generally acceptable rate for most electronics hardware is 2%.

Xbox 360 defects: an inside history of Microsoft’s video game console woes » VentureBeat (http://venturebeat.com/2008/09/05/xbox-360-defects-an-inside-history-of-microsofts-video-game-console-woes/)

CraigSca

09-09-2008, 07:55 AM

Which, again, shows what a massive failure this generation has been for Sony.

Logan

09-09-2008, 08:02 AM

Which, again, shows what a massive failure this generation has been for Sony.

Haha.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 08:08 AM

Which, again, shows what a massive failure this generation has been for Sony.

Sony has its own issues and appears to have dealt with them at this point as they are outselling the 360 in all three major sales regions at this point on a monthly basis. While the pricing issue was a big problem, quality was never a concern with the PS3.

Microsoft has already taken a major consumer confidence hit from this issue. The release of this book detailing that the MS executives knew there were issues and released the console anyway will only further the problem.

Oilers9911

09-09-2008, 08:48 AM

More keyboard diahrrea from MBBF against the XBox. Why do you rarely (if ever) link to articles critical of the PS3?

wade moore

09-09-2008, 09:10 AM

Which, again, shows what a massive failure this generation has been for Sony.

awesome.

Dr. Sak

09-09-2008, 09:14 AM

More keyboard diahrrea

This gave me a vision of someone taking a shit on their keyboard. And yet I still cant stop laughing at the comment.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 09:16 AM

More keyboard diahrrea from MBBF against the XBox. Why do you rarely (if ever) link to articles critical of the PS3?

I've been very critical of the PS3 on several instances and have posted numerous articles on the inept comments and decisions of the Sony management regarding the release screw-ups, but don't let that stop you from a good rant that has nothing to do with the topic.

Many on this board repeatedly denied there were issues with the 360 despite the mounting evidence to the contrary. Will you be calling them out for their false arguments and assumptions?

Chubby

09-09-2008, 09:20 AM

More keyboard diahrrea from MBBF against the XBox. Why do you rarely (if ever) link to articles critical of the PS3?

PS3 and Wii don't have massive failure/return rates

Logan

09-09-2008, 09:31 AM

The release of this book detailing that the MS executives knew there were issues and released the console anyway will only further the problem.

Yes, because a bunch of 15-24 year old guys are going to take time out from reading Page 2 on ESPN to be all over a book that will be lucky to crack the top 5,000 on Amazon's best-seller list.

Mustang

09-09-2008, 09:34 AM

The release of this book detailing that the MS executives knew there were issues and released the console anyway will only further the problem.

Too busy to read. I've been playing games on my 360

Atocep

09-09-2008, 09:37 AM

I saw this article yesterday and the first thing I thought of was genuine glee Mizzou would have posting it.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 09:37 AM

I've been playing games on my 360

Congrats. It would appear you're the lucky one.

DeToxRox

09-09-2008, 09:37 AM

I won't lie; I have a 360 and PS3, and I hardly play the PS3 at all. Now granted, it has gotten use for the bluray, but really, I haven't needed to play it at all.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 09:39 AM

I saw this article yesterday and the first thing I thought of was genuine glee Mizzou would have posting it.

There's no satisfaction in this situation. There are a lot of consumers that got shafted here. I was just as pissed several years ago when I had disc reading errors on my PS2. Corporations who pull this kind of bull@#$% should be called out for it. It's ridiculous.

Cringer

09-09-2008, 09:44 AM

Why the hell did this get it's own thread? Not enough attention/reaction in the Consoles Sales thread any more for you?

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 09:50 AM

I saw this article yesterday and the first thing I thought of was genuine glee Mizzou would have posting it.

Yeah, when I fail to post a negative PS3 article first, I get berated for it. When a 360 owner such as your self fails to do the same thing that my detractors ask of me, I get berated for it. It's a very convinient arrangement, I must say.

wade moore

09-09-2008, 10:02 AM

One thread a month for the 360 hatred is enough.

gstelmack

09-09-2008, 10:06 AM

Too busy to read. I've been playing games on my 360

The guy that started that odyssey was great at the end of the article where he points out that he still owns a 360 because the games are so good :D

Subby

09-09-2008, 10:08 AM

YOU BEEN MERGED

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 10:12 AM

The guy that started that odyssey was great at the end of the article where he points out that he still owns a 360 because the games are so good :D

But that has little relevance to the point. No one has ever said that the library quality was an issue. The only issue being pointed out is that MS knowingly released faulty hardware. As he mentioned, one of the reasons that the hardware is even selling at this point is the existing users buying new consoles so they can play their existing library after the initial console dies.

MikeVic

09-09-2008, 10:12 AM

One thing that's on my mind... why are you guys using the July thread? I'm pretty sure there's an August one?

Chubby

09-09-2008, 10:14 AM

One thread a month for the 360 hatred is enough.

Wah

I think one thread a month for NFL scores and college threads is enough as well.

wade moore

09-09-2008, 10:19 AM

One thing that's on my mind... why are you guys using the July thread? I'm pretty sure there's an August one?

Oops - it was the most recent one with posts.

Ohwell.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 10:24 AM

Oops - it was the most recent one with posts.

Ohwell.

This is the most recent one. Big Fo initially called it August Console Sales by mistake. He edited the title as it was actually July sales figures.

wade moore

09-09-2008, 10:25 AM

Roger that - was searching and couldn't find anything for August this year.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 10:27 AM

One thread a month for the 360 hatred is enough.

So only if it's anti-360 will it be merged into this thread? Seriously?

There's several other console related threads that likely need to be merged into this thread given that logic.

Alan T

09-09-2008, 10:33 AM

This thread merge has been brought to you by EA Sports, Microsoft, the Democrat Party, the number 7 and the letter Q.

Chubby

09-09-2008, 11:49 AM

So only if it's anti-360 will it be merged into this thread? Seriously?

There's several other console related threads that likely need to be merged into this thread given that logic.

I already reported wade's post on this very logic. We should also merge any future NFL weekly threads, college gameday threads and anything else redundant. It's kind of a joke that this got merged but what else do you expect from mods with too much time on their hands when they don't like a topic?

Logan

09-09-2008, 11:52 AM

I already reported wade's post on this very logic. We should also merge any future NFL weekly threads, college gameday threads and anything else redundant. It's kind of a joke that this got merged but what else do you expect from mods with too much time on their hands when they don't like a topic?

Considering your posting this in a MONTHLY standalone console sales thread, this is a pretty fucking stupid post.

Chubby

09-09-2008, 11:57 AM

Considering your posting this in a MONTHLY standalone console sales thread, this is a pretty fucking stupid post.

Considering the thread in question was merged with this one, where exactly would you like me to post it?

Well I for one don't need to see weekly NFL threads popping up when one for the season seems to do fine for the NHL, MLB, NBA. Of course, consistency has never been a strong suit of the moderation here.

Logan

09-09-2008, 12:00 PM

Considering the thread in question was merged with this one, where exactly would you like me to post it?

Well I for one don't need to see weekly NFL threads popping up when one for the season seems to do fine for the NHL, MLB, NBA. Of course, consistency has never been a strong suit of the moderation here.

Way to miss the point. The threads you're complaining about are the exact same as these monthly sales threads. If all these were consolidated into one "console sales" thread, you would have a point. But they aren't, so you don't.

Chubby

09-09-2008, 12:01 PM

Way to miss the point. The threads you're complaining about are the exact same as these monthly sales threads. If all these were consolidated into one "console sales" thread, you would have a point. But they aren't, so you don't.

and I think you are missing the point of wade's "logic"

besides the fact that a console and it's history of failing isn't the same as reporting sales numbers but don't let logic stand in your way.

Big Fo

09-09-2008, 12:04 PM

Man for a second thought something awesomely cool had happened in the video game world today with all the new posts :(

It's a shame we'll never truly know how much the RROD saga has hindered Microsoft this generation, at least in terms of market share. Maybe it will be the thing that keeps them from a strong second place finish or maybe it has had little effect at all...

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 12:29 PM

Way to miss the point. The threads you're complaining about are the exact same as these monthly sales threads. If all these were consolidated into one "console sales" thread, you would have a point. But they aren't, so you don't.

The mods used some very faulty and bias logic to make their moderating decision on merging the thread in this one. With that said, this isn't a democracy and there's little that can be done about moderation errors, so it's best to move on and discuss it here.

Fidatelo

09-09-2008, 12:42 PM

Bias logic? For shame! This thread is no place for bias!

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 12:58 PM

Bias logic? For shame! This thread is no place for bias!

There's plenty of room for bias in opinions in the thread. There's little room for bias in moderation of a message board. It's apples and oranges, but don't let that get in the way of your strawman argument.

Fidatelo

09-09-2008, 01:06 PM

There's plenty of room for bias in opinions in the thread. There's little room for bias in moderation of a message board. It's apples and oranges, but don't let that get in the way of your strawman argument.

I was just joking around, but don't let that get in the way of your search for straw-people.

Subby

09-09-2008, 01:21 PM

There's plenty of room for bias in opinions in the thread. There's little room for bias in moderation of a message board. It's apples and oranges, but don't let that get in the way of your strawman argument.
If you didn't have such a for-shit reputation here I can almost guarantee that the thread wouldn't have been touched.

Deattribution

09-09-2008, 01:24 PM

Mustang

09-09-2008, 01:46 PM

It's ridiculous how far some people will go to make sure they acknowledge everything wrong with the 360.

Works both ways

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 01:49 PM

It's ridiculous how far some people will go to make sure they don't acknowledge anything wrong with the 360.

It's a reputable source, with real information. Who gives a shit where or who posted it?

The system on a hardware design scale is a turd. In about 5-8 years we'll have 15+ million Microsoft paperweights.

Exactly. The ONLY reason that thread was merged was because I posted it. It was a well-written article with very good points. There were posts upon posts in the past months from many of the same posters who said I was just stirring the pot and that there was no issues on the Xbox 360. When proof finally comes to verify those claims, I posted it. So the supposed bias that I carried was actually more factual than the claims of those that disputed those 'rumors' and claimed it was just 'Sony bias'.

If you didn't have such a for-shit reputation here I can almost guarantee that the thread wouldn't have been touched.

You mean if I hadn't discussed the problems with the 360 in previous months before the proof was fully established, I would have never been painted by the pro-360 crowd as being a rumor spreader when my points were actually spot-on and factual.

Subby

09-09-2008, 01:55 PM

You mean if I hadn't discussed the problems with the 360 in previous months before the proof was fully established, I would have never been painted by the pro-360 crowd as being a rumor spreader when my points were actually spot-on and factual.
No I just think that, in general, you have a for-shit reputation. Seems like there is a lot of ill will towards you in any number of threads.

Just an observation and possible explanation.

Chubby

09-09-2008, 01:58 PM

Works both ways

Yawn.

You're right, there's no problem with Xbox 360's failing at a crazy rate. Go stick your head back in the sand.

CraigSca

09-09-2008, 01:59 PM

Alan T

09-09-2008, 02:03 PM

Exactly. The ONLY reason that thread was merged was because I posted it. It was a well-written article with very good points. There were posts upon posts in the past months from many of the same posters who said I was just stirring the pot and that there was no issues on the Xbox 360. When proof finally comes to verify those claims, I posted it. So the supposed bias that I carried was actually more factual than the claims of those that disputed those 'rumors' and claimed it was just 'Sony bias'.

You mean if I hadn't discussed the problems with the 360 in previous months before the proof was fully established, I would have never been painted by the pro-360 crowd as being a rumor spreader when my points were actually spot-on and factual.

I'll try to say what others have said in a nicer way... The way you constantly bombard everyone here with article after article after article, some probably pretty accurate, and others probably more rumorish, it goes from passing on information to seemingly trying to push across an agenda.

This is not just isolated to your dislike of XBOX360, but it seems to be true on any of your hot button issues that you feel passionately about. You just bombard everyone with your point until it gets to where the majority just don't even care if you are right or wrong, they just want you to stop filling up threads about it. They might have an Xbox already, they might understand there were many issues with it up front, but after the constant posts about how horrible it is, they likely just want to enjoy playing their Xbox that is working fine for them.

I guess it is the old saying, sometimes you can get more flies with honey than with a sledgehammer.. instead of providing information to warn future potential buyers once or twice, you set up the holy crusade against Xbox that turns the majority of people off.

I think that is what most people have issues with and it just doesn't seem to faze you that many posters just don't seem to like your posts. In my opinion the mods probably didn't need to merge your thread considering all of the other ones on the board, but most of that just has to do with your history on the boards. My suggestion would be to try a different approach and see if you are less attacked by being more interested in forum discussion rather than appearing to try to push agendas all of the time.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 02:04 PM

That being said, the people who hate Bill Gates/Windows or sleep next to their PS3s each night have to deal with the fact that a console with a 68% attrition rate won this round.

That's a VERY premature conclusion given that the 360 hasn't outsold the PS3 worldwide in any single month in 2008.

Deattribution

09-09-2008, 02:07 PM

The point is - the 360 hardware sucks, and we as consumers know it. That being said, the people who hate Bill Gates/Windows or sleep next to their PS3s each night have to deal with the fact that a console with a 68% attrition rate won this round. I know it hurts, but deal with it. Frankly, it doesn't effect you as much as you think it does.

'Won' what round?

When your Xbox 360 RRODs or E74's are you really going to smile because the Xbox 360 holds a 5m lead in the world wide sales, and a 7m in the NA market?

Most consumers don't know how bad it is until after the fact.

Not to mention the Wii 'won this round'.

Mustang

09-09-2008, 02:07 PM

Yawn.

You're right, there's no problem with Xbox 360's failing at a crazy rate. Go stick your head back in the sand.

Never said there wasn't issues with it. Point out where I did. Just made a comment that there are some people that like to bring it up every article or snippet that points this out on the PS3 side and the 360 side.

I do find these threads amusing though.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 02:14 PM

I think that is what most people have issues with and it just doesn't seem to faze you that many posters just don't seem to like your posts. In my opinion the mods probably didn't need to merge your thread considering all of the other ones on the board, but most of that just has to do with your history on the boards. My suggestion would be to try a different approach and see if you are less attacked by being more interested in forum discussion rather than appearing to try to push agendas all of the time.

Here's the lone problem I have with that. Initially, I used a lot less links in my discussion posts. The problem was that many posters wanted a link or reference for everything I posted. Rather than dealing with multiple posts (one to post discussion and another to post the link), I just started posting the link for everything I post. As a result, people now bitch about too many links. I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't.

I appreciate your points. I feel like I've put far less of my personal bias when posting industry news as a nod to some things you mention. I do get a lot of personal messages from people thanking me for posting the information, so I know that there are plenty that do like to see a lot of the info in one place. I honestly post the articles to spur discussion more than any personal agenda. I just want to talk about gaming news, no matter what it's about. But that doesn't preclude me from expressing my opinion on things on occasion, just like any other poster. People don't have to believe that if they don't want to, but it's the truth.

CraigSca

09-09-2008, 02:17 PM

'Won' what round?

When your Xbox 360 RRODs or E74's are you really going to smile because the Xbox 360 holds a 5m lead in the world wide sales, and a 7m in the NA market?

Most consumers don't know how bad it is until after the fact.

Not to mention the Wii 'won this round'.

FWIW, we all know the Wii has won already, I was merely referring to the 360 vs. PS3 debate.

Btw, I have no stake in this game. The 360 winning or the PS3 winning doesn't matter to me. I'm just sick of the bombardment of real and rumored data that isn't going to change a single mind on this board.

That being said, I'll just back out of here, as I got suckered into replying and should have just known better.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 02:22 PM

I'm just sick of the bombardment of real and rumored data that isn't going to change a single mind on this board.

Welcome to half the threads on this board.

MJ4H

09-09-2008, 02:25 PM

you just posted my most dominate thoughts on this subject

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-09-2008, 02:27 PM

The fact that this is constantly done wrong is rediculous.

I'd agree. It's "rediculous" that anyone would make a spelling or grammer error on a message board.

Chubby

09-09-2008, 02:30 PM

Never said there wasn't issues with it. Point out where I did. Just made a comment that there are some people that like to bring it up every article or snippet that points this out on the PS3 side and the 360 side.

I do find these threads amusing though.

Yet the fact that you want to dismiss things based on who posts it is comical.

Subby

09-09-2008, 02:33 PM

I'd agree. It's "rediculous" that anyone would make a spelling or grammer error on a message board.
I going to hit that real fast.

Mustang

09-09-2008, 02:46 PM

Yet the fact that you want to dismiss things based on who posts it is comical.

You really are reading too much into my posts.

If it makes you feel better..

Too busy to read. I've been playing games on my Wii.

Too busy to read. I've been masturbating.

Too busy to read. I've been writing stupid stuff on message boards.

stevew

09-09-2008, 03:20 PM

I actually wouldn't mind more thread mergers around here.

MikeVic

09-09-2008, 03:21 PM

We should merge every Off Topic thread into a giant one called "General Discussion."

MJ4H

09-09-2008, 03:34 PM

Big Fo

09-09-2008, 08:09 PM

August's numbers will be out Thursday, here's a preview by Michael Pachter:

Sales are expected to be driven by EA's Madden NFL 09 (PS3, 360, Wii, PSP, PS2, DS), Microsoft's Too Human (360), Nintendo's Mario Super Sluggers (Wii) and continued sales of Namco Bandai's Soul Calibur IV and Nintendo's Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii.

As for hardware, Pachter sees the Wii selling 550K units, well over double the PS3's predicted 225K. He also forecasts the Xbox 360 and PSP at 200K each and the PS2 at 150K. The popular DS should match its console cousin at 550K as well.

gamasutra.com for rest of article (http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/pachter-wii-sells-double-ps3-in-august-software-sales-up-23/)

EA Sports' Moore Calls $133.5 Million Month For Madden 'Vindication'

Madden NFL 09 has generated $133.5 million in retail sales since its August 12 launch, according to Electronic Arts' own estimates ahead of NPD figures.

The figure represents a 6 percent increase over last year's Madden performance, and EA also says this year's incarnation has earned the franchise's highest critical rating in three years.

"In the month of August we may be bigger than a certain Eastern European gangster," EA Sports head Peter Moore tells Gamasutra, pleased to see Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 and Madden NFL 09 take the first and second spots for the Wii format, respectively, on Metacritic.

Moreover, Moore says Madden acts as an industry bellwether, so good news for it is good news for all. "The industry always feels proud when we can hold a title up against other things like movie releases," he says.

And hold up it does -- according to EA's numbers, Madden NFL 09 sales outperformed the month's top blockbuster films, including Tropic Thunder ($83.9 million), Mamma Mia! ($56.4 million), and Pineapple Express ($79.9 million).

"We're still the red-headed stepchild; we're still not mainstream entertainment," says Moore -- so this contrast between Madden and film sales is "vindication for our industry."

rest of article (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=20166)

Madden selling well = videogames are validated. So awesome.

Next month I'd be more interested to hear how Head Coach sold but I doubt it will make the charts.

Subby

09-09-2008, 08:50 PM

Are there any figures that show the typical production costs (including marketing) for a game like Madden?

sterlingice

09-09-2008, 10:37 PM

sterlingice

09-09-2008, 10:41 PM

I guess it is the old saying, sometimes you can get more flies with honey than with a sledgehammer..

Not to be nitpicky, but... (link (http://www.cambiaresearch.com/ClicheWeb/Cliche_Details.aspx?id=2965))

SI

Big Fo

09-10-2008, 05:20 PM

Microsoft: Xbox 360 sales surge on price cut

Microsoft said today that Xbox 360 sales rose significantly following the price cuts announced by the company last week. The company said retailers are reporting that sales of the video-game console increased more than 100 percent over the weekend, compared with the prior weekend.

Of course, it remains to be seen if those bumps will be temporary or lasting. The idea behind the price cuts was to strengthen the company's position going into the upcoming holidays, said David Dennis, a Microsoft spokesman. Following the price cut, the Xbox 360 Arcade model is selling at six times the previous rate, Dennis said. The new $199 price of that model is $50 cheaper than Nintendo's market-leading Wii game console.

Microsoft declined to provide more specific sales data.

Because of the timing, the effect of the Xbox 360 price cut won't be evident in U.S. console sales figures for August, scheduled to be released Thursday afternoon by the NPD Group market research firm. Benefiting in part from some blockbuster games, the PlayStation 3 has topped the Xbox 360 in the U.S. sales rankings in each of the previous three months.

seattlepi.com (http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/microsoft/archives/148413.asp)

That would put them near Wii territory. Of course, it's only the first month after the price drop, as the article says...

MJ4H

09-10-2008, 06:30 PM

Well it's official. Today I have become a PS3 fanboy. See ya later, Nintendo!

Singstar Abba: ABBA Invades SingStar (http://kotaku.com/5047797/abba-invades-singstar)

Kodos

09-10-2008, 06:32 PM

Of course, what they don't mention is that Madden sells for $60 a pop (or more if you get the Collecter's edition), compared to movies that go for $10 or less usually.

Kodos

09-10-2008, 06:33 PM

Well it's official. Today I have become a PS3 fanboy. See ya later, Nintendo!

Singstar Abba: ABBA Invades SingStar (http://kotaku.com/5047797/abba-invades-singstar)

Mamma MIA!
Just one look and I can hear a bell ring!
One more look and I forget everything!

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-11-2008, 08:12 AM

Microsoft: Xbox 360 sales surge on price cut

That would put them near Wii territory. Of course, it's only the first month after the price drop, as the article says...

The PS3 had a similar sales surge with their price cut. This really shouldn't be all that surprising. The true measure of how effective the price cut will be will be over the holidays. Assuming no Sony price cut, they will hold a large advantage over the PS3 this holiday season from a price perspective.

Big Fo

09-11-2008, 11:36 AM

The PS3 had a similar sales surge with their price cut. This really shouldn't be all that surprising. The true measure of how effective the price cut will be will be over the holidays. Assuming no Sony price cut, they will hold a large advantage over the PS3 this holiday season from a price perspective.

Yup. Actually the ~100% increase looks even smaller if you consider that sales probably declined the week before as news of the price drop had been out for weeks.

Alan T

09-11-2008, 11:55 AM

Not to be nitpicky, but... (link (http://www.cambiaresearch.com/ClicheWeb/Cliche_Details.aspx?id=2965))

SI

I am familiar with that saying. My version of it is a common variation of it that you hear from time to time. Basically meaning the same thing as the original saying but changing it up a bit to get the same type of point across. No idea where it came from or who popularized it though.

SirFozzie

09-12-2008, 03:45 AM

fantom1979

09-12-2008, 04:32 AM

Here's the August #'s

August NPD Numbers

Wii: 453,000
Xbox 360: 195,200
PS3: 185,400
PS 2: 144,100

This is all pre price cut, so this is bad news for Sony. They're already behind, and their closest competitor just undercut them ANOTHER $100.

Yes, but, how many of those 195,200 Xbox 360's were defective??? :):):)

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

wade moore

09-12-2008, 06:34 AM

MBBF will enjoy this post.

I've defended the xbox360 a bit throughout these threads, probably not as strong as some others, but I have.

Now that my 360 appears to be a complete brick I'm pretty pissed off.

I even went through the trouble last november of hunting and making sure I got a falcon chip (or whatever it was called). Did that do me any good? Apparently not.

I don't even play my system much. Now it freezes constantly - it even froze with the tray out and trying to play some cheesy freebie game.

I guess I'll have to call them and get a new one shipped out. Just ridiculous for something I paid $400 for to not even make it a year.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-12-2008, 07:43 AM

Here's the August #'s

August NPD Numbers

Wii: 453,000
Xbox 360: 195,200
PS3: 185,400
PS 2: 144,100

This is all pre price cut, so this is bad news for Sony. They're already behind, and their closest competitor just undercut them ANOTHER $100.

I don't think the August numbers on their own are the big concern. 10K isn't that big of a difference. The bigger concerns are two-fold.......

1. Both the 360 and PS3 aren't selling well at all in a month where Madden was released. In the past, the Madden coattails have provided a much bigger boost. It appears that effect is no longer applicable. The Wii even sold less than 500K, which is saying something given their sales numbers in previous months.

2. There's no question that the 360 has the price advantage, but that hasn't always resulted in bigger sales boosts for the 360 over the course of this lifecycle. With that said, I don't think there's any question that a price cut would be a much better move than more HDD space. Sony has apparantly chosen the latter and I'm not sure it's a good move.

Mustang

09-12-2008, 08:12 AM

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-12-2008, 08:24 AM

Is there really a need for 80G on the PS3 rather than just stick with the 60G? Seems like alot of overkill as I only use about 11G on the 360, but maybe I'm on the way low end of the spectrum for storage use.

Remember that the PS3 has much larger game sizes for download. You can download Head Coach 09, Warhawk, and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue onto your hard drive for play, which hasn't been an option on the 360 until recently. The 360 allows you to rip a game to the HDD, but large downloads of full games still aren't available (yet). Even some of the other games like PAIN can take up a pretty good size chunk of space.

My point on the HDD is that I'm not sure that you need to have large drives as standard. I can buy a 200-250 GB HDD for the PS3 for under $100. Why not just let the users that really need that HDD space upgrade and keep the smaller 40-60 GB HDD in the standard model to help with pricing?

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-12-2008, 09:12 AM

As long as we're discussing HDD's, here's a great deal for PS3 owners who want to upgrade their HDD. 320 GB HDD for $80.

SEAGATE Momentus 5400.5 ST9320320AS 320GB SATA 5400 RPM 8MB Buffer Mobile Hard Drive Bulk at ZipZoomfly (http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10009162)

Deals like this are the reason I wonder why Sony even bothers giving an extra 40 GB in HDD space for $100 more. If you're going to buy a PS3, just buy the 40 GB version for $399 and spend $80 for the HDD upgrade. You'll be way ahead in the end.

Mustang

09-12-2008, 09:23 AM

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-12-2008, 09:29 AM

Thanks. Didn't realize that you could get full games. I could see how that would take up the space... although, for me, I'd rather see a smaller drive and a lower price as I doubt I would d/l a full game and only own it digitally on a console.

I'm the same way as you. I'd rather have the full games on disk, but there's evidently some idiots that want the digital version or they wouldn't be offering it. :)

I have been somewhat surprised how many DL games I've bought at the smaller price points. I hate the retro and old games that they just rehash, but there's some good new games from companies like Pixel Junk that I have bought.

Ryan S

09-12-2008, 12:27 PM

Is there really a need for 80G on the PS3 rather than just stick with the 60G? Seems like alot of overkill as I only use about 11G on the 360, but maybe I'm on the way low end of the spectrum for storage use.

Because every PS3 sold has a hard drive, game developers are more likely to take advantage of it. If you make a 360 game which requires installation to the HD, you can't sell the game to Xbox arcade owners.

Ryan S

09-12-2008, 12:30 PM

Here's the August #'s

August NPD Numbers

Wii: 453,000
Xbox 360: 195,200
PS3: 185,400
PS 2: 144,100

This is all pre price cut, so this is bad news for Sony. They're already behind, and their closest competitor just undercut them ANOTHER $100.

I don't know what happened in the US, but I expect Sony's numbers to be terrible in the UK as most people will have waited for the 80gb version to be released in the final days of the month.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-15-2008, 08:04 AM

Looks like the idiot at Microsoft who decided to use his name in the article detailing the RROD issues was fired by MS. Not surprising, as they have strict NDA agreements in place...........

Microsoft Has Robert Delaware Dismissed for Comments on 360 Defects (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3169909)

Big Fo

09-15-2008, 11:53 AM

He didn't even notice he got fired because he was too busy playing games on his 360.

I like the guy's quote though.

Despite the forthcoming legal battle, Delaware himself is surprisingly cavalier, saying, "I don't regret it. I'll fight it. If they want to come after me, bring it on." Delaware adds, "It feels good. It was the moral thing to do."

Good luck, MS can probably afford better representation than him.

I'll paste in the software numbers, lifetime sales, PR, and other misc. stuff after work. Now that we're all used to Nintendomination these threads don't have as many pages so for this month I'll just change the July in the thread title (back) to August.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-15-2008, 12:30 PM

I'll paste in the software numbers, lifetime sales, PR, and other misc. stuff after work. Now that we're all used to Nintendomination these threads don't have as many pages so for this month I'll just change the July in the thread title (back) to August.

Honestly, it has little to do with the numbers. August and early September are extremely slow from a release/console sales perspective. The chatter will build quite a bit once we get into October.

Big Fo

09-15-2008, 05:23 PM

Hardware---Aug.-----July----Lifetime

DS ........... 518k (608k) 21.9m
Wii ........... 453k (555k) 11.9m
PSP........... 253k (222k) 12.5m
Xbox 360... 192k (205k) 10.9m
PS3........... 185k (225k) 5.3m
PS2 ...........144k (155k)

Software

360 MADDEN NFL 09 Aug-08 ........................ .... 1.0m
PS3 MADDEN NFL 09 Aug-08 ............................. .. 643K
PS2 MADDEN NFL 09 Aug-08 .............................. 424.5K
WII WII FIT May-08 ..................... ..................... 394.9K
WII MARIO KART Apr-08 ............................ ....... 328.7K
WII WII PLAY W/ REMOTE Feb-07 ........................ 200.2K
360 SOUL CALIBUR IV Jul-08 ................................ 174K
360 TOO HUMAN Aug-08 ..................................... 168.2K
WII MADDEN NFL 09 Aug-08 ................................ 115.8K
NDS GUITAR HERO: ON TOUR Jun-08 10 .............. 111.2K

Other August sales:

PS3 SOUL CALIBUR IV ..... 110K
360 Tales of Vesperia .......... 33k
360 Tiger Woods 09 ...............56k (highest selling version)
Madden 09 (All platforms) ....... 2.3m (2% increase over Madden 08)

Various lifetime sales:

Rough LTDs:

WII MARIO KART WII: ........ 2.7 million
WII WII FIT W/BALANCE .... 1.8 million
NDS GUITAR HERO: ON TOUR: 845K
PS3 SOUL CALIBUR IV: ......... 265K
360 SOUL CALIBUR IV: .......... 395K
NCAA 09 ................. ............. 460k (more than PS3 and Wii versions combined according to Microsoft PR)

Industry totals:

* Video games - $1.08 billion (+9%)
* Video games hardware - $394.5 million (+3%)
* Video games software - $550.7 million (+13%)
* Video game accessories - $137.3 million (+13%)

Sony PR - here (http://www.el33tonline.com/past/2008/9/15/sony_responds_to_august_ndp/)
Microsoft PR - here (http://www.el33tonline.com/past/2008/9/15/microsoft_responds_to_august_npd/)
Nintendo PR - here (http://www.el33tonline.com/past/2008/9/15/nintendo_responds_to_august_npd/)

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-16-2008, 07:57 AM

Xbox 360 price cuts coming in the UK........

GDN: UK Xbox 360 price cuts confirmed by Microsoft (http://www.gamersdailynews.com/story-4452-UK-Xbox-360-price-cuts-confrmed-by-Microsoft.html)

Olevia is releasing a Blu-ray player to compete with Sharp's version of the BR player. Both will be out at the $299 price point. I'm beginning to wonder if these $299 BR players are one of the big reasons that Sony would like to keep the PS3 at the $399 price point through the holidays. A $299 price point for the PS3 would sell like hotcakes and leave these BR players sitting on the shelves collecting dust. An interesting quandry.........

Blu-ray.com - Olevia Blu-ray Player Coming in October (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1768)

stevew

09-16-2008, 08:14 AM

No, the player is based off of the archetecture of the Sharp player. Anyways, I thought Olevia was bankrupt and virtually out of buisiness. They must have found some financing somewhere.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-16-2008, 01:02 PM

Good news for those of you who are Halo fans. Ryan Payton, who recently moved back to the States after completing work on Metal Gear Solid 4, is now reportedly the new lead for the new Halo game under development. This guy did a world of good in reshaping the MGS4 game and will likely help improve the Halo franchise in much the same way.

Halo: Chronicles: New Halo Helmed By MGS4 Producer (http://kotaku.com/5050561/new-halo-helmed-by-mgs4-producer)

DaddyTorgo

09-16-2008, 01:11 PM

hey console-gurus: my sister just gave my brother her old hand-me-down xbox (b/c she and her fiance got a 360).

Mother likely won't let lil bro get any wargames or stuff, so sportsgames wise i have a couple questions:

what better: madden 2007 or 2008? ncaa football 2007 or 2008? which recent year of march madness best? He's already got 2007 hockey covered.

disclaimer: my lil bro is not the fan of statistical accuracy that i am, he'd be more about the gameplay (as long as there weren't ridiculous game-stopping bugs).

Also, are the 09 sports games coming out just on 360 or still for standard xbox too? (i'm sure i could google and ask, but this is an active thread so i'm asking)

Eaglesfan27

09-16-2008, 01:41 PM

Madden 08 on the Xbox is better from what I've heard, but it's not much better and 07 is cheaper.

I'm not sure about NCAA Football. I think 08 had bad pursuit angles on the Xbox, so he might want to go with 07.

Don't get March Madness. Get College Hoops, it is a much better game.

A few sports games (such as Madden) are still coming out for the Xbox, but not many at all and they are getting harder to find.

gstelmack

09-16-2008, 01:42 PM

Find an old copy of ESPN NFL 2k5 for him for the Xbox.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-16-2008, 01:56 PM

Find an old copy of ESPN NFL 2k5 for him for the Xbox.

+1. College Hoops suggestion by EF27 is also a very good one.

Kodos

09-16-2008, 01:59 PM

Find an old copy of ESPN NFL 2k5 for him for the Xbox.

You can get this for like a dollar or two at places like EB games.

DaddyTorgo

09-16-2008, 02:21 PM

yeah i think i saw it (college hoops) at the gamestop at lunchtime actually. i may head down there after work and rummage through the bin and see what they've got.

I know for a fact I saw madden 07+08 and ncaa 07+08 and march madness. Pretty sure I saw college hoops and espn nfl2k5 (definately saw a couple espn logos). If not I'll look online or just bide my time.

Frankly the beauty of it is being a generation behind the stuff is cheap and easy to find. And it's always fun to play anyways - just last night I drafted a madden 05 team against him and we were cracking jokes about all the players -- aka "sweet...i'm taking 23 year old asante samuel!" "sweet! LT when he was 26!" etc. But I also know he's the kind of kid who'd appreciate having 2008 or 2009 (his birthday is in like three weeks - oooh mine too!, maybe i'll get him madden 09 *shrug*), to have the most recent rookies, and to have at least one up-to-date game to play with his buddies.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-16-2008, 02:28 PM

But I also know he's the kind of kid who'd appreciate having 2008 or 2009 (his birthday is in like three weeks - oooh mine too!, maybe i'll get him madden 09 *shrug*), to have the most recent rookies, and to have at least one up-to-date game to play with his buddies.

I think that was the point of suggesting the College Hoops 2K game and NFL 2K5. Pretty sure that both of those games have online communities that still play those games and create updated roster sets that you can download on your PC and load to your Xbox.

DaddyTorgo

09-16-2008, 02:33 PM

I think that was the point of suggesting the College Hoops 2K game and NFL 2K5. Pretty sure that both of those games have online communities that still play those games and create updated roster sets that you can download on your PC and load to your Xbox.

well that's fuckin awesome! :thumbsup:

SirFozzie

09-17-2008, 10:22 AM

Interesting news from Japan. It's only one week.. but.. 360 outsells PS3 by 3.5 to 1. :eek:

Breaking: Holy Snot! Xbox 360 Tops Home Console Sales In Japan (http://kotaku.com/5050976/holy-snot-xbox-360-tops-home-console-sales-in-japan)

For the sales week September 8th to September 14th. (note: The 360 was out of stock, and re-released with a price cut on the 11th, so this is not even a full week!)

• Xbox 360: 28,681 units
• Wii: 27,057 units
• PLAYSTATON 3: 8,050 units

sterlingice

09-17-2008, 10:26 AM

Hell, it outsold the Wii.

Were there any games released for it over there?

SI

gstelmack

09-17-2008, 10:41 AM

well that's fuckin awesome! :thumbsup:

Well, my point in suggesting 2k5 is that it's the best-playing football game ever released pretty much.

SirFozzie

09-17-2008, 10:43 AM

Hell, it outsold the Wii.

Were there any games released for it over there?

SI

Tales of Vesperia is the big one, if I'm correct

SirFozzie

09-17-2008, 10:46 AM

Oh, by the way, if you're on Guitar Hero burnout ALREADY, with On Tour, World Tour, Aerosmith, and Metallica (rumored by end of year).. guess what? By 2010, they've announced they want to release THREE TIMES AS MANY Guitar Hero Games a year as they do now.

So much for not Tony Hawk-ing the Guitar Hero Cash Cow.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-17-2008, 10:47 AM

Interesting news from Japan. It's only one week.. but.. 360 outsells PS3 by 3.5 to 1. :eek:

Honestly, beating the PS3 wasn't all that surprising as they had pent up demand that had been waiting for over a month (they only sold 800 or so for the last couple of weeks) and the PS3 has the major releases coming next month. What should be surprising is that demand + the price drop caused a sales week that even surpassed Wii sales. It obviously won't last past this week, but it's definitely a start.

Big Fo

09-17-2008, 11:42 AM

Tales of Vesperia is the big one, if I'm correct

Vesperia came out in Japan two weeks ago IIRC, this week's big 360 release was Infinite Undiscovery (86k sold).

Pokemon Platinum sold 967k in its first two days on the market.

Sony should try and produce or moneyhat some RPGs to appeal to Japanese gamers, their first party lineup is way too shooter heavy (Killzone 2, MAG, SOCOM, Resistance 2... White Knight Story is the only PS3 RPG coming soon in Japan). 360 still has The Last Remnant and Star Ocean 4 coming within the next few months, maybe the 360 will start selling more than 2-3k p/w on a consistent basis.

MikeVic

09-19-2008, 01:29 PM

Could someone answer me whether an LCD TV with a 5ms response time (60Hz refresh) would be suitable for playing games, such as NHL 09 and the like? Or would there be a blur?

Thanks.

Kodos

09-19-2008, 01:41 PM

Well, my point in suggesting 2k5 is that it's the best-playing football game ever released pretty much.

I was trying ESPN 2k5 on my 360 and Madden 2006 on my PS3 with my new LCD TV last night, and both looked like ass. The Falcon's field looked like something out of 1993 in 2k5. I tried monkeying with the settings on the TV and on the consoles (and in game), but I never found a combo that looked okay (like as good as they did on my regular-definition TV). Does anyone know the proper settings to make last gen games look okay on a LCD TV?

Also, I have to say I'm unimpressed with Madden 2009 for the 360. It LOOKS great, but I don't like the gameplay. And I hate how the camera comes in from an angle and then straightens out before each play. Tom Hammond (whatever his name is) sounds like a freaking robot.

SirFozzie

09-22-2008, 09:13 PM

Wow. This is not good news for Sony, if you consider their reason for including the Blu-Ray drive was to try to win that war..

Bad signs for Blu-ray: Free discs, cheap players, and declining market share | The Industry Standard (http://www.thestandard.com/news/2008/09/22/bad-signs-blu-ray-free-discs-cheap-players-and-declining-market-share)

Nielsen VideoScan High-Def market share for week ending September 14th, 2008 - Engadget HD (http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/21/nielsen-videoscan-high-def-market-share-for-week-ending-septembe/)

Apparently Blu-Ray's share of the DVD market is DECLINING, not increasing. At one point, Sony's projections were that Blue-Ray would have 50% of the market by the end of this year.. that it would sell just as much as regular DVD's. Instead.. they only have 8% of the market. So they're trying freepack in movies with subscriptions to Wired Magazine and sub-$200 players to try to spur the market.

Big Fo

09-22-2008, 10:17 PM

The prices are too high and the selection is weak compared to DVDs. Sure the prices aren't as bad online but they're missing out on those impluse buys of the shelves. $30 for a movie? GTFO. I've been renting them for this reason.

Big Fo

09-22-2008, 10:43 PM

From this week's IGN Nintendo Voice Chat podcast, the highly-acclaimed DS RPG The World Ends With You has sold 270,000 copies since its April release, exceeding expectations and selling better in the United States than in Japan.

It's always nice to see good games sell, especially when it's a new IP to boot. I mean I don't mind Square-Enix remakes, I've bought Final Fantasy IV and Dragon Quest IV already this year, and will buy Chrono Trigger DS in November but I'm glad SE has reasons to keep putting out good, original games as well.

stevew

09-23-2008, 01:52 AM

Philliesfan980

09-23-2008, 06:04 AM

I'm waiting out a couple clearance players we have at work. Hopefully they do a major nosedive while there is still NIB quantity. I'll probably snag one at the 150ish range, but only cause I'm itching to collect movies again, and I don't see much point in buying DVD's at the moment.

BR movies do look great, don't get me wrong, but an upscaled regular DVD looks pretty good to me. I have a BR player and I'm with most of the other people in the camp, the movies aren't worth the cost.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-23-2008, 07:45 AM

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-23-2008, 10:49 AM

Some more numbers that directly contradict the assertion that the Blu-ray format is in any type of a decline. Stand alone player sales for the year are expected to more thn triple to 2.38M units in 2008 and double to 5.31M units sold in 2009. These sales are occurring in a ridiculously poor economic market. Note that these numbers do not even include the Playstation 3 installed base.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/blusales091708.htm

Study: Blu-ray Player Sales to Triple In 2008
The report says they will double again next year.
September 17, 2008

Washington, D.C. (September 17, 2008) -- DisplaySearch, the research firm, says worldwide sales of standalone Blu-ray players will hit 2.38 million this year, compared to 700,000 in 2007.

That's according to an article by Video Business.

The DisplaySearch numbers do not include sales of PlayStation 3 consoles, which also include the high-def Blu-ray player inside. With PS3 included, Blu-ray player sales will reach several million in 2008.

The research firm also said standalone Blu-ray player sales worldwide will double next year to 5.31 million. DisplaySearch credits the increase in sales to falling prices, the release of more Blu-ray titles and more purchases of high-def sets.

According to Video Business, Paul Gagnon, DisplaySearch's director of North America TV research, said standalone players will surpass the PS3 as the biggest selling Blu-ray player by 2010.

DisplaySearch released its forecast at yesterday's DisplaySearch "HDTV 2008" conference in Los Angeles.

Ross Rubin, the director of industry analysis for NPD, another research firm, agreed yesterday that high-def set sales will boost Blu-ray. But he added that the relatively high price of the player and customer satisfaction with current standard-def DVD players remain as major obstacles to Blu-ray's success, according to Video Business.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-23-2008, 11:08 AM

NPD sales ranking YTD on the major consoles were released today. Not surprisingly, only one 3rd party games was on the Nintendo ranking. Conversely, all of the 360 ranking consisted of 3rd party software. The PS3 had 2 1st party titles on its list. The 360 should have a 1st party title in there later this year when Gears of War 2 is released. Sony should have two more 1st party titles in the list with Little Big Planet and Resistance 2 on the way.

PS3 YTD Sales Ranking

1. GTA IV
2. Metal Gear Solid 4
3. Call of Duty 4
4. Madden '09
5. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

360 YTD Sales Ranking

1. GTA IV
2. Call of Duty 4
3. Madden '09
4. Rainbow Six Vegas 2
5. Army of Two

Wii YTD Sales Ranking

1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl
2. Mario Kart (with wheel)
3. Wii Play (with remote)
4. Wii Fit (with board)
5. GHIII: Legends of Rock (with guitar)

MikeVic

09-23-2008, 11:15 AM

Yeah because Guitar Hero III is made by Nintendo.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-23-2008, 11:28 AM

Yeah because Guitar Hero III is made by Nintendo.

Whoops! Missed that one. Thanks for the catch.

sterlingice

09-23-2008, 11:29 AM

Care to do top 10 for all consoles?

SI

Fidatelo

09-23-2008, 11:35 AM

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-23-2008, 11:35 AM

Care to do top 10 for all consoles?

SI

I only had found the top 5 over on Neogaf. Feel free if you have them.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-23-2008, 11:38 AM

Big Fo

09-23-2008, 11:59 AM

The thing that MBBF doesn't mention is that #5 on the Wii >>>> #5 on the PS3, and then when you factor in the lower development costs for Wii games there's a shitload of money to be made there.

It's a shame that only three of the twelve games listed there are good. (SSBB, Mario Kart, MGS4) I guess you could say COD4 is good if you play the PC version. It's heartbreaking to see how popular these jigglestick FPS games are and how well the worst GTA game ever sold.

gamasurta.com goes a little more in-depth with some comparisons:

While the data here is limited, it is at least interesting to compare the sales figures across the platforms.

Given that we estimate (the pictured below) Army of Two's YTD sales at 800,000 to 900,000 on the Xbox 360, we can surmise that the #5 title for the Xbox 360 may have sold better than than the #3 title on the PS3.

However, the PlayStation 3 also has a much smaller installed base and some games, like Madden NFL, have sold to a higher percentage of PS3 owners than Xbox 360 owners.

Both the Xbox 360 and PS3 top 5 software lists are dwarfed by the figures for the Wii's top sellers. Starting with Super Smash Bros. Brawl above 3.2 million and ending with Guitar Hero III around 1.3 million, the Wii's top 5 games of the year account for somewhere between 11 and 12 million units of software.

Even more importantly, two of those games - Wii Fit and Guitar Hero III - retail for significantly more than the standard $50 or $60 fee for most modern games.

Equally interesting is that four of the top five games on the Wii this year - all except Super Smash Bros. Brawl - include a hardware component in the box.

Mario Kart has the wheel. Wii Play has the extra controller. Wii Fit has its balance board while Guitar Hero has its plastic guitar.

It's become clear that we've never seen quite a hardware success story like the Wii. Looking at the top five games on each platform this year, it seems we've never seen a software success story like this either.

full article (http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3795/2008s_topselling_games_so_far_.php?page=4)

Fidatelo

09-23-2008, 12:19 PM

Yeah, but then what do you do with Wii Fit, Guitar Hero, Mario Kart, etc. which all are package deals. I understand your point, but from a reporting perspective, it is a software sale.

I know, I just think it basically makes the Wii list a Top 4, so it becomes less of an Apples to Apples comparison when people start throwing out statistics.

Big Fo

09-23-2008, 12:21 PM

Yeah it sucks that each month we only see the Top 9 essentially, nobody cares how much Wii Play sells.

Fidatelo

09-23-2008, 12:21 PM

It's a shame that only three of the twelve games listed there are good. (SSBB, Mario Kart, MGS4) I guess you could say COD4 is good if you play the PC version. It's heartbreaking to see how popular these jigglestick FPS games are and how well the worst GTA game ever sold.

Ya, I'm going to have to go ahead and disagree with you on that one, Bob. COD4 is a great game on the 360, and GTA IV is a lot better than any of the others I've played (although I still don't think it is the 10.0 that a lot of sites rated it).

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-23-2008, 12:31 PM

I know, I just think it basically makes the Wii list a Top 4, so it becomes less of an Apples to Apples comparison when people start throwing out statistics.

A comparison can likely be shaped any way you want it to be, so I'm not sure it matters all that much. I was just providing the list and noting the successes of 1st vs. 3rd party software depending on which console you were looking at.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-23-2008, 12:32 PM

Ya, I'm going to have to go ahead and disagree with you on that one, Bob. COD4 is a great game on the 360, and GTA IV is a lot better than any of the others I've played (although I still don't think it is the 10.0 that a lot of sites rated it).

Agreed. COD4 and GTA4 are both great games on the 360/PS3.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-24-2008, 01:19 PM

Another article discussing the development power shift from Japan to Europe and the U.S......

videogaming247 » Blog Archive » Yoshida: Games tech power “has shifted from Japan to the US and Europe” (http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/09/24/yoshida-games-tech-power-has-shifted-from-japan-to-the-us-and-europe/)

Big Fo

09-24-2008, 07:05 PM

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-25-2008, 07:43 AM

Looks like the postponed E3 announcement for Halo may finally be released.........

videogaming247 » Blog Archive » New countdown timer revealed on Bungie.net (http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/09/25/new-countdown-timer-revealed-on-bungienet/)

TazFTW

09-26-2008, 05:47 AM

Saw this on Kotaku. Apparently, EA showed this full 4 minute ad for FIFA 09 during Chelsea - Man U this past weekend.

<script src="http://www.ooyala.com/player.js?width=494&height=278&embedCode=cxN3MyOsiy2EBj2ioopHh-8tBEPjdQc3"></script>

Pretty cool.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-26-2008, 07:37 AM

Apparently Blu-Ray's share of the DVD market is DECLINING, not increasing. At one point, Sony's projections were that Blue-Ray would have 50% of the market by the end of this year.. that it would sell just as much as regular DVD's. Instead.. they only have 8% of the market. So they're trying freepack in movies with subscriptions to Wired Magazine and sub-$200 players to try to spur the market.

Looks like some more fallout from this article that chose to use the one week sample where there was a decline in Blu-ray sales. Engadget went after ArsTechnica and Slashdot for their faulty reporting..........

Blu-ray's market share has almost doubled since HD DVD's demise - Engadget HD (http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/25/blu-rays-market-share-has-almost-doubled-since-hd-dvds-demise/)

For some reason, the 13 percent drop in Blu-ray sales last week got a lot of attention. What we can’t figure out is why the 30 percent increases during the two weeks before (combined) went unnoticed. It boggles the mind why so many so-called tech evangelists only pick up on the bad weeks.

Either way, when movies like the Forbidden Kingdom and TV shows like Terminator are stealing double digits away from DVD, sales are not down. But hey, predicting the end of Blu-ray is just so much more fun than actually analyzing all the data, isn’t it?

And another article detailing that more Blu-ray discs have been sold in the first 8 months of 2008 than in both 2006 and 2007 combined.

Blu-ray sales are impressive for 2008 (http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/15132.cfm)

According to Home Media Research compiled by the Redhill Group, it appears that Blu-ray sales are actually quite solid for the year, and up 300 percent year-on-year from 2007.

The research says that Blu-ray movies are selling at about 1.14 million per month on average for the year, for a total of about 8 million. The combined total for 2006 and 2007 was about 6 million discs sold.

Deattribution

09-26-2008, 01:21 PM

Spore sells over a million copies within two weeks of its release, whether the figures are USA or worldwide isn't mentioned.

"Spore is a Hit" - Edge Online (http://www.edge-online.com/news/spore-a-hit)

Weren't the initial public predictions suppose to be over 2 million by the end of september?

I don't see this game having the kind of legs the Sims, or alot of other games have through the holiday season because of the DRM stuff, and the computer market is fickle (especially if you piss them off).

Samdari

09-26-2008, 01:34 PM

I don't know what is #6 on Nintendo's list, so it might not change things visa vis 1st Party/3rd Party content, but I don't think it's fair to include Wii Play in the list. Everyone buys that 'game' for the controller. Everyone. For all intents and purposes it's a hardware sale.

The controller alone is $40. Wii Play with controller is $50.

A whole lot of people are awfully stupid if they are paying $50 and throwing the game disc away. Back in the first few months of the Wii, controllers were hard to find, so you had to buy Wii play to get one. Now, they are quite plentiful. People are buying Wii Play instead of the controller alone because the game is worth $10.

Big Fo

09-27-2008, 07:51 PM

Another DS revision will be out in Japan this year:

wired.com link (http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/09/nikkei-new-nint.html)

- (digital) Camera included
- music playback function
- Wireless connection function power up
- larger screen
- to be released this year in Japan
- under 20000 yen
- new types of games by using the camera
- get/exchange data from Wii and SD card (SD card slot included?)

Maybe Nintendo will start a Virtual Console for handhelds where you can buy classic GameBoy, GameBoy Color, and maybe GameGear games off the Wii and transfer them to the new DS via SD cards?

Thursday's simultaneous Nintendo conferences in Tokyo and San Francisco could have more info on this and hopefully some sweet game announcements to boot.

MJ4H

09-27-2008, 08:01 PM

Just a rumor at this point.

stevew

09-27-2008, 09:10 PM

Wii play was such a horrible game. About as fun as the "hit this target and win" flash ad games.

MJ4H

09-28-2008, 11:09 AM

Looks like that rumor is getting stronger and almost 100% confirmed according to lots of other places. Cool.

Mizzou B-ball fan

09-28-2008, 06:13 PM

Price cut on the 40 GB PS3 this weekend. Wal-Mart is selling it for $349. If you get a Sony Style card and purchase that model, you'll end up paying $200 for a 40 GB PS3. That's just a ridiculously great price for a PS3.

Big Fo

10-02-2008, 06:42 AM

Recap from last night's Nintendo conference in Japan:

Nintendo DSi
- 3.25 inch screens (DS = 3 inch)
- Has an inside and outside camera, 0.3 megapixels
- Has SD slot on right-hand side.
- Has onboard memory
- Comes with web browser
- Comes with app to detect some DS hotspots
- Has Apps store like iPod
- Apps are free/300/500/800 points
- Other apps include an app that allows you to make flipbooks using the cameras
- No GBA slot
- 18900 yen
- 1000 points for free if you buy before march 2010
- Possibly minorly upped resolution
- November in Japan, 2009 elsewhere.
- Black and white versions.

New Software:
- DS Pedometer, Miis on DS
- Mario and Luigi 3
- 3d Picross

Wii:
- storage solution involves making SD card easier, coming in spring 2009
- you get 500 points if you help a friend set up their wii online
- wii comes with video explaining wii online functions

Wii Software:
- Punch-Out Wii
- Trace Memory Wii
- Sin and Punishment 2
- Sengoku Musou (Samurai Warriors) coming to Wii.
- Animal Crossing Wii interacts with AC DS
- New mainline Tales of.
- Let's Tap by Prope.

- Wii getting re-releases of GCN titles. Not ports. Not ports. Not ports. Not ports. Do not appear to have waggle or any changes. Not ports. Re-releases. Should be budget. Starting with DK Jungle Beat and Pikmin.

Awesome, been waiting for a new Super Punch-Out. Sin and Punsihment 2 looks cool. The new DS model sounds pretty awesome as well.

Dynamic Slash - some kind of action game from the people that made Earth Defense Force 2017 for 360 in collaboration with Nintendo.

Endless Ocean 2 - I actually kind of liked the first one, this could be cool if they add in more things to do. No info yet.

Square-Enix also announced Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time for DS/Wii, sounds like an ARPG that has online multiplayer where people playing the DS version and the Wii version can go online at once, and the DS version can be played on your TV through the Wii.

(all from neoGAF and wired.com)

Nintendo of America has a conference today in San Fran. Maybe they'll have more new stuff to announce or just talk about this. IGN says the Conduit and MadWorld will be shown there but we already know about those games.

sterlingice

10-02-2008, 07:56 AM

On the new DS, undecided as to whether I'm going to get it. I'm sure I'll get it eventually, but I'm not sure about "on release day"- that sort of thing.
-no GBA = bad
-camera = don't care
-dual touch screens = good, but not sure how useful that will be in games
-memory card support = great!
-mii's on ds = makes sense
-music support = good
-only aac support and not mp3 support = stupid, why even bother with music support then
-built in internet browser = good
-size is about the same = eh
-battery life is less (9-14 vs 15-19 hrs) = ew, tho 9 hours is still long; it's not like it's a psp or anything

They finally made it possible to move stuff from the Wii memory to the SD card and back or at least it will be possible in early 2009. Must be a firmware upgrade. Still, would have liked a hard drive option.

Wii Punch Out - it's about damn time! Make sure it's done right!

SI

Mizzou B-ball fan

10-02-2008, 08:34 AM

From the 'what stupid sounds like' file, a Peter Molyneux interview at videogamer.com..........

Speaking with Videogamer.com, Lionhead Studios' Peter Molyneux discussed his views on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 and what his thoughts were on ever wanting to create a game for the Sony platform.

"The 360 and the PS3 technically seem neck and neck," said Molyneux. "Sometimes I look at a title on the 360 it looks fantastic, sometimes I look at a title on PS3 and it looks fantastic. I can't see a difference."

He added that currently with Fable 2, certain features such as the co-op mode are only possible on Microsoft’s platform, due to Xbox Live possessing a more mature infrastructure. However, Molyneux said that just because the PS3 online service isn't up to par with Xbox Live doesn't mean that he wouldn't want to create a game for the platform.

"I'd love to get games on every platform,” he said.

However, the chances of Lionhead Studios ever bringing a game to the PS3 are extremely slim, as Microsoft currently owns the studio. Indeed, unless the developer pulls a Bungie, don’t expect to be playing Fable or Black & White on a Sony console anytime soon.

Huh? Someone might want to let the developers of the PS3 games that have co-op play know that now rather than later. We need a factcheck.org for the video game industry.

Mizzou B-ball fan

10-02-2008, 08:38 AM

I didn't see anyone post this from a few days ago. Sony released a list of how many new games to expect and which games will be playable at the Tokyo Game Show next week. In summary, 11 new PS3 exclusive games and 3 new PSP games will be revealed. The PS3 exclusives consist of nine games by Sony, one by Konami, and one by Irem. All three of the PSP exclusives are by Sony.

Full list link: PlayStation.com(Japan) | ‚¨’m‚ç‚¹ | u“Œ‹žƒQ[ƒ€ƒVƒ‡ƒE‚Q‚O‚O‚Wvƒ\ƒj[EƒRƒ“ƒsƒ…[ƒ^ƒGƒ“ƒ^ƒeƒCƒ“ƒƒ“ƒgƒWƒƒƒpƒ“ƒu[ƒXo“W‚Ì‚²ˆÄ“à (http://www.jp.playstation.com/info/release/nr_20080930_tgs2008.html)

List of playable games:

PLAYSTATION 3

Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock (Activision, Inc.)
FIFA 09 (Electronic Arts)
Street Fighter IV (Capcom Co., Ltd.)
Resident Evil 5 (Capcom Co., Ltd.)
Lumines Supernova ★ (Q Entertainment, Inc.)
Metal Gear Online (Konami Digital Entertainment)
Way of the Samurai 3 (Spike)
Sonic Unleashed (SEGA CORPORATION)
SOCOM: Confrontation (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
PlayStation ® Home ★ (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
Mainichi Issho ★ (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
MotorStorm 2 (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
LittleBigPlanet (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
Resistance 2 (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2009 (THQ Japan Ltd.)
Gundam Musou 2 (Namco Bandai Games, Inc.)
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm (Namco Bandai Games, Inc.)

PlayStation Portable

Sengoku Basara: Battle Heroes (Capcom Co., Ltd.)
Dynasty Warriors: Multi Raid (Koei Co., Ltd.)
Warriors Orochi 2 (Koei Co., Ltd.)
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep (Square Enix Co., Ltd.)
Dissidia: Final Fantasy (Square Enix Co., Ltd.)
Secret Agent Clank (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
Ape Escape (not sure which) (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
Patapon 2 (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
Bleach: Soul Carnival (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
Mainichi Issho Portable ★ (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
Or2 (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
LocoRoco 2 (Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.)
The Idolm@ster (Bandai Namco Games, Inc.)

Big Fo

10-02-2008, 12:20 PM

On the new DS, undecided as to whether I'm going to get it. I'm sure I'll get it eventually, but I'm not sure about "on release day"- that sort of thing.

I'll wind up getting it if the downloadable games look promising. A Virtual Console for old Nintendo handhelds would be nice seeing as the DS was the first portable I've ever owned. It will be around $180 compared to the ~$150 a DS Lite goes for there right now. So if the DSi is much more than the $130 a Lite goes for here I'll wait for a bit.

It does kind of suck for companies that have recently released games that require the GBA slot, like Guitar Hero: On Tour which was a huge seller a few months ago.

wired.com is liveblogging the NOA conference right now link (http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/10/liveblog-ninten.html)

Wii release dates:

Punch-Ou:t 1H 09
MadWorld: March 09
The Conduit: 1Q 09
Animal Crossing: City Life: Nov 16
Sin and Punishment 2: 2009

DS release dates:

Rhythm Heaven: 1H 09
Fire Emblem DS: 1H 09

Age of Empires: Mythologies
Tecmo Bowl
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
Pokemon Ranger
Chrono Trigger - all five of these in Oct or Nov. CT on Thanskgiving weekend.

Mario and Luigi 3: 2009

And speaking of the GameCube releases earlier, maybe something did get lost in translation, here's updated info.

Speaking of first person shooters on Wii, are you guys interested in the "Wii de Asobu" collection? Apparently they're actually upgrading these GameCube games with Wii controls, and it includes the Metroid Prime games, so if those reports are correct, we'll have Wiimote-enabled versions of those games... interesting.

Pretty decent sounding. No news about localizations for Disaster: Day of Crisis, Fatal Frame IV, or Professor Layton 2 is a bit disappointing but overall I'm pretty happy.

sterlingice

10-02-2008, 12:28 PM

I'll wind up getting it if the downloadable games look promising. A Virtual Console for old Nintendo handhelds would be nice seeing as the DS was the first portable I've ever owned. It will be around $180 compared to the ~$150 a DS Lite goes for there right now. So if the DSi is much more than the $130 a Lite goes for here I'll wait for a bit.

If they did this, I'd love to see something like the GameBoy player for the SNES or Gamecube where you could see what you were playing on the big screen. Not as big of a deal for DS games as, well, it's not as if you could touch your tv with the stylus, but for older games, it would be nice.

SI

Mizzou B-ball fan

10-02-2008, 01:20 PM

FYI to PS3 owners.....

If you haven't gone out and purchased Wipeout HD, do it. It's a ridiculously good game, especially at a $20 price point. I loved the original on the PS1 and this new version is faithful to that style with a whole lot more bells and whistles.

Mizzou B-ball fan

10-02-2008, 01:54 PM

Retailer info on trends over the last few weeks............

-The good thing is that 360's are selling well since the price cut. The bad thing is that most of the sales come from the Arcade SKU, which is going to likely put to rest any chance of developers making 360 games that require a HDD.

-Gamestop has refurb 360 units at $169 that are selling extremely well. Unfortunately for Microsoft, they don't get double credit for those sales.

-Fable 2 and GOW 2 both have excellent pre-sales numbers, mainly due to the fact that they are the only big exclusive releases this fall on the 360 and are both good franchises.

-PS3 sales have slowed since the price cut by around 25%. A price cut or incentive is probably needed.

-Little Big Planet is posting surprisingly good pre-sale numbers.

-Tales of Vesperia and Infinite Undiscovery have basically stopped selling. Very disappointing sales numbers overall. Yet another case where 3rd party developers will likely look more towards a multi-platform release for future games as has been the trend.

-Wii sales have slowed as have the number of Wii's in each shipment. Most shipments are 50% less than what they have been in previous months of 2008. It appears that Nintendo has started diverting some units away from North America to other markets in the face of slowing North American sales.

-Wii Fit sales have slowed dramatically since the 360 price cut. Most stores have them fully in stock at this point.

MJ4H

10-02-2008, 03:18 PM

Oh man Wii control-enabled Metroid Prime 1 would be a must-buy for me. Boom.

sterlingice

10-02-2008, 08:19 PM

Oh man Wii control-enabled Metroid Prime 1 would be a must-buy for me. Boom.

The Pikmin series sound like great selections, too. I didn't see a price point for these, tho.

SI

Big Fo

10-02-2008, 08:24 PM

GameCube "Wiimakes" from Famitsu:

Chibi Robo
Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat
Pikmin
Pikmin 2
Mario Tennis
Metroid Prime
Metroid Prime 2: Dark Echoes

MJ4H

10-02-2008, 09:16 PM

I have never played a Pikmin game. Are they similar to RTS games? That's sort of the impression I've gotten.

cartman

10-02-2008, 09:20 PM

sterlingice

10-02-2008, 09:27 PM

I have never played a Pikmin game. Are they similar to RTS games? That's sort of the impression I've gotten.

Lemmings + RTS would be a decent description. Yes, you grow an "army", of sorts but they are used to perform tasks and occasionally attack.

SI

Big Fo

10-02-2008, 09:28 PM

I have never played a Pikmin game. Are they similar to RTS games? That's sort of the impression I've gotten.

I haven't played them either but they do have RTS-type gameplay. I'm looking forward to some of these remakes, the Pikmin ones included. The GameCube versions are often hard to find or rather pricey for used games plus pointer controls should make some of them better, or motion controls in the case of Mario Tennis. It'd be ridiculous if GC Mario Tennis were the first good Wii tennis game since Wii Sports.

sterlingice

10-02-2008, 09:31 PM

I'd like to see Mario Golf, too

SI

stevew

10-02-2008, 10:05 PM

I have never played a Pikmin game. Are they similar to RTS games? That's sort of the impression I've gotten.
Its been some time but I really liked the first one. I think I got frustrated on a level and never finished. 2 fixed some issues that 1 had. Recommended if they are around 20 bucks

stevew

10-02-2008, 10:13 PM

Oh. And if anyone has a wii that's collecting dust, a lot of the nursing homes are using them. Maybe call around and see if you can donate it? I sold minr, but now I wish if have given it somewhere that people would enjoy it

terpkristin

10-03-2008, 03:55 PM

I may purchase my first-ever Madden game. I think this is a nice tie-in. Maybe too late for all those men who already bought the game, but might give those who aren't too into the series a new reason to buy it..of course, it might just be easier to donate directly to Deanna Favre's charity.

EA Launching Madden NFL09 Pink to Fight Breast Cancer (http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/ea-launching-madden-nfl-09-pink-to-fight-breast-cancer/?biz=1).
/tk

Big Fo

10-05-2008, 07:05 PM

Better late than never, here's the top 20 for August:

360 MADDEN NFL 09 Aug-08 ........................ .... 1.0m
PS3 MADDEN NFL 09 Aug-08 ............................. .. 643K
PS2 MADDEN NFL 09 Aug-08 .............................. 424.5K
WII WII FIT May-08 ..................... ..................... 394.9K
WII MARIO KART Apr-08 ............................ ....... 328.7K
WII WII PLAY W/ REMOTE Feb-07 ........................ 200.2K
360 SOUL CALIBUR IV Jul-08 ................................ 174K
360 TOO HUMAN Aug-08 ..................................... 168.2K
WII MADDEN NFL 09 Aug-08 ................................ 115.8K
NDS GUITAR HERO: ON TOUR Jun-08 10 .............. 111.2K
WII Mario Super Sluggers (Wii)
PS3 Soul Calibur IV (PS3) ..................... 110K
NDS New Super Mario Bros. (NDS)
NDS Mario Kart (NDS)
Wii Mario and Sonic: Olympic Games (Wii)
Wii Super Smash Bros: Brawl (Wii)
NDS Mario and Sonic: Olympic Games (NDS)
PSP Madden NFL 09 (PSP)
360 Call of Duty 4 (X360)
NDS Mario Party (NDS) .................. at least 63k

Wii - 7
NDS - 5
360 - 4
PS3 - 2
PSP - 1
PS2 - 1

7 games with Mario in the title and not one of them is Super Mario Galaxy :banghead:

Top 10 PS3 software:

MADDEN NFL 09
SOUL CALIBUR IV
METAL GEAR SOLID 4
CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE
TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 09
NCAA FOOTBALL 09
GRAND THEFT AUTO IV
DISGAEA 3
RESISTANCE: FALL OF MAN
GRAN TURISMO 5: PROLOGUE

Top 10 Wii software:

WII FIT
MARIO KART
WII PLAY WITH REMOTE
MADDEN NFL 09
MARIO SUPER SLUGGERS
MARIO AND SONIC: OLYMPIC GAMES
SUPER SMASH BROS: BRAWL
ROCK BAND
DECA SPORTS
GAME PARTY

For some reason videobusiness.com (http://www.videobusiness.com/index.asp?layout=marketData&chartdate=8%2F31%2F2008&content=topgamesellers&genreID=26&Submit=Go) has those two consoles but not the 360...