The 2010 Video Games Thread

[dubb93]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

This is what I've heard, too. I've heard it was a lot like the first one, but with less variety. Take that for what it's worth.

/tk

General impression I have heard is that it does not improve on the original in any real way. And I've also heard they threw the story out the window and there isn't any real story in the game either.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Has anyone played Crackdown 2 yet? Tempted to get it and play co-op with a friend of mine.

I'm enjoying it, but I'm a Crackdown nerd.

And yeah, it's probably going to be at its best in co-op. I wanted to co-op with my usual Crackdown buddy, but Persona 3 Portable came out the same day, and he's apparently been immersed in that.

Originally Posted by terpkristin

This is what I've heard, too. I've heard it was a lot like the first one, but with less variety. Take that for what it's worth.

Mostly because they replaced gang infrastructure with "tactical locations." You're capturing various areas, just like in the first game, but there isn't a lot of difference, even in difficulty, between one island and another.

/tk

Originally Posted by dubb93

General impression I have heard is that it does not improve on the original in any real way. And I've also heard they threw the story out the window and there isn't any real story in the game either.

There's story, but it's...kinda sideways, if that makes any sense. The story isn't revealed through progression, it's revealed through finding various audio clips scattered throughout the game, and other than early on, there's no real allusion to that from the voice-o'-God.

You can discover the story, or not, and it really only matters in terms of your Gamerscore. Otherwise, just blow shit up.

[DaddyTorgo]

What size HD do I need? 120? 250? I don't anticipate downloading a whole bunch of stuff or anything - and honestly whichever system I get I'll probably only have like 5-6 games.

Not really intending to play online so I'm probably leaning towards a PS3 so that I can get The Show. I'd spend more time playing something like that then I would say HALO.

[terpkristin]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

but Persona 3 Portable came out the same day, and he's apparently been immersed in that.

Do you (does he) know how much memory Persona 3 Portable takes up if you download it? Sony's website is distinctly unhelpful, but since I have FFVII on a stick, I'm guessing I'm going to need another (2nd gen PSP can only go up to a certain size anyway).

/tk

[whomario]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

What size HD do I need? 120? 250? I don't anticipate downloading a whole bunch of stuff or anything - and honestly whichever system I get I'll probably only have like 5-6 games.

120 is more than fine for me and by all i´ve got told by other people (recently bought a PS3 as well) should be more than enough for your purposes.
Unless you plan on using the PS3 as your main tool/hub for, say, music and movies and transfer your whole collection onto it you won´t come close to filling even the 120.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by whomario

120 is more than fine for me and by all i´ve got told by other people (recently bought a PS3 as well) should be more than enough for your purposes.
Unless you plan on using the PS3 as your main tool/hub for, say, music and movies and transfer your whole collection onto it you won´t come close to filling even the 120.

Absolutely no intention of doing that - that's what I figured as well whomario.

You happy with your PS3?

[whomario]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Absolutely no intention of doing that - that's what I figured as well whomario.

You happy with your PS3?

yes, but on limited usage so far With the great weather here i haven´t used it all that much. Never having had a blu ray player i must say it´s amazing to have that now (got a new TV at the same time i bought the PS3) and this was also the main reason i finally caved and bought it (even though the regular players drop in price a lot recently)

I mean, since i´m not using it as a media center (i can hook up my laptop with my TV anyway ) there´s not so many things i´ve tested yet.

For me it´s a blu ray / DVD player and a gaming console, both things work but thats about the extend of my analysis

It´s a tad bit noisier than the 360 imo, but nothing that bothers me personally as i play music in the background when gaming and sit a bit further away watching movies (in doubt just test drive one during downtime at a store)

[DaddyTorgo]

I'm irritated because I got a blu-ray player with my new TV and it was out-of-the-box so I can't even resell it for full price...but if I pickup the PS3 I may try to unload the blu-ray player to try to get something close to market value for it since I won't be needing it.

[dubb93]

Originally Posted by whomario

It´s a tad bit noisier than the 360 imo,

I'm not sure I would agree with this. I have the new 360 Slim and I would say the Slim is still makes more noise than the PS3. My old 360 sounded like it wanted to blast off into space at times. I can't say I ever thought my PS3 might plow through the ceiling.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by dubb93

I'm not sure I would agree with this. I have the new 360 Slim and I would say the Slim is still makes more noise than the PS3. My old 360 sounded like it wanted to blast off into space at times. I can't say I ever thought my PS3 might plow through the ceiling.

Agreed. If you PS3 is louder than your 360, something has gone horribly wrong with your PS3.

[Groundhog]

If it wasn't for the green light on front of my PS3, I'd have no idea it was even switched on. My 360 (which was one of the original consoles), well, I wouldn't be surprised if my neighbours knew I had it switched on at times.

[DanGarion]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

If it wasn't for the green light on front of my PS3, I'd have no idea it was even switched on. My 360 (which was one of the original consoles), well, I wouldn't be surprised if my neighbours knew I had it switched on at times.

Same here, I've contemplated selling my PS3.

[bob]

If you order Sport Illustrated for 28 weekly issues at a price of $59.95, you get NCAA 11 free. I think this is similar to the Madden deal from last year or the FIFA World Cup deal on ESPN insider.

[RainMaker]

I thought I'd use the Blu-Ray more but I haven't. So I'm also considering selling the PS3. I had it for The Show, but this year's version was pretty shitty.

[SirFozzie]

June #'s from Bill Harris, over at dubiousquality:

360: 451,700
Wii: 422,500
PS3: 304,800

Now, yes, this is because of the 360 slim bump, but interesting to see the 360 take first place, and decent numbers for all three.. but the gap between 360 and PS3 continues to widen. This month took a fairly decent step forward, which probably will happen for at least July as well.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I thought I'd use the Blu-Ray more but I haven't. So I'm also considering selling the PS3. I had it for The Show, but this year's version was pretty shitty.

o rly?

[DaddyTorgo]

shit - if any of you guys wanna get more for your PS3's then you'd get at a gamestop or whatever...let me know - sooner rather than later. maybe we can work somethin out

[RainMaker]

And just minutes ago I'm getting a blank screen from my 360. I could hear the sound but get no video. Anyone know what the hell this could be? Tried changing cords already.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Tiger Woods unit sales are WAY down in the release window. Looks like his tarnished image is having an effect, though EA also blames the slower Wii game sales of late. Pretty rough market for third parties on the Wii.

Tiger Woods golf video game sales plummet compared to a year ago | VentureBeat

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

Do you (does he) know how much memory Persona 3 Portable takes up if you download it? Sony's website is distinctly unhelpful, but since I have FFVII on a stick, I'm guessing I'm going to need another (2nd gen PSP can only go up to a certain size anyway).

/tk

I'm rockin' an 8 gig stick in my first gen PSP, I believe. I want to say Persona 3 Portable is taking up between 1-2 gigs on that.

[terpkristin]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

I'm rockin' an 8 gig stick in my first gen PSP, I believe. I want to say Persona 3 Portable is taking up between 1-2 gigs on that.

Thanks. I've got the PSP-2000, looks like it can take up to 16 gig, I'll see if I can find an 8 gig stick relatively cheaply. With FFVII and Persona 3 on a 4 gig, isn't much room for save files. Just realized I have FFT in the UMD slot. Pretty funny to have 3 very Japanese games on my PSP.

Now the question is, do I continue with DQIX or put that off til the cruise (27 days away!), since the DS works better without a plug, and instead pick up Persona 3 for a bit?

/tk

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by dubb93

2. Deathspank

I haven't actually purchased this game yet but I noticed the demo on Xbox Live. It plays like a bargain bin hack and slash would but the humor in the demo so far has been fantastic. It apparently has the same writers and dev team as Monkey Island. Will be a purchase for me as soon as I get more Microsoft Points.

I'll have to check this out very soon... I've heard some great things!

[mckerney]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

I'll have to check this out very soon... I've heard some great things!

I picked it up and it's been a fun hack 'n slash with the added bonus of the humor from the old Lucas Arts adventure games.

I've also been playing the new free Valve game Alien Swarm this evening, a lot of fun if you like survival co-op games.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by mckerney

I picked it up and it's been a fun hack 'n slash with the added bonus of the humor from the old Lucas Arts adventure games.

I've also been playing the new free Valve game Alien Swarm this evening, a lot of fun if you like survival co-op games.

Thanks.. will check that out too.

[Groundhog]

It's a few months old now, but I've just started with Mass Effect 2, and my thoughts after 3 hours of play could be best summed up in one word: HOLYF%$KINGSH!T

Seriously, it's like they fixed every single aspect of the original that annoyed me (all the repetitive missions in the Mako, having to travel back to the ship after completing most missions, constantly turning gear to gel when my inventory was filling up, etc. etc.). I love the way equipment/research works now, I love the improved combat system, the great cinematics, the much more streamlined gameplay (travel especially), the use of the right/left buttons during dialogue to perform good or bad actions, and... well... everything. Like I said, I'm not that far into it yet, but so far it's the best game I played. Better than Red Dead Redemption even.

[Cringer]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

It's a few months old now, but I've just started with Mass Effect 2, and my thoughts after 3 hours of play could be best summed up in one word: HOLYF%$KINGSH!T

Seriously, it's like they fixed every single aspect of the original that annoyed me (all the repetitive missions in the Mako, having to travel back to the ship after completing most missions, constantly turning gear to gel when my inventory was filling up, etc. etc.). I love the way equipment/research works now, I love the improved combat system, the great cinematics, the much more streamlined gameplay (travel especially), the use of the right/left buttons during dialogue to perform good or bad actions, and... well... everything. Like I said, I'm not that far into it yet, but so far it's the best game I played. Better than Red Dead Redemption even.

Red Dead Redemption was a pretty damn cool game, but I must say I agree about Mass Effect 2 being better. I had not bought a 360 game since GTA IV and just got Mass Effect 2 maybe a month ago on sale for $40 at Walmart. One hell of a bargain. Will be starting a second go through here with soon, as I am not happy with my ending in the first time around. With Red Dead, I haven't really played much since finishing the story.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Agreed. If you PS3 is louder than your 360, something has gone horribly wrong with your PS3.

What's funny is, my Dreamcast is louder than either of the two. It makes these honking noises periodically when it's loading stuff. I hear that, even though it sits on my deaf side. The 360, I don't hear, and it's just a few inches behind the Dreamcast. The PS3 I hear on occasion, but generally only during start-up or shut-down when it's beeping.

[mckerney]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Thanks.. will check that out too.

If you're looking for someone to play with feel free to add me as a friend, my Steam ID is KingOf7, profile name is currently Heisenberg.

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

What's funny is, my Dreamcast is louder than either of the two. It makes these honking noises periodically when it's loading stuff. I hear that, even though it sits on my deaf side. The 360, I don't hear, and it's just a few inches behind the Dreamcast. The PS3 I hear on occasion, but generally only during start-up or shut-down when it's beeping.

My mind may be foggy, but wasn't Skies of Arcadia horrible for this? You'd hear this loud loading noise and then you'd know a random battle was loading. And I think random battles happened very often.

[MizzouRah]

I'm getting this right now on XBL.

[Scoobz0202]

Thanks for the reminder, Mizzou.

I remember hearing about this game awhile back and again when there was a big argument over video games as art. Looks to be pretty sweet.

[MizzouRah]

Yes, the review over at IGN sold me. It's only 5-6 hours, but seems to be quite the game.

I'll dive into it tonight after soccer practice and the family is asleep.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by mckerney

If you're looking for someone to play with feel free to add me as a friend, my Steam ID is KingOf7, profile name is currently Heisenberg.

Thanks, will do!

[Honolulu_Blue]

I've been following this game for a while. I don't think I'd ever have too much interest in playing it, since I don't really like platformers or puzzle games, but it's one the most beautiful games I've ever seen. I could easily watch someone play through the entire game.

[RainMaker]

That looks really cool. How much is it?

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

My mind may be foggy, but wasn't Skies of Arcadia horrible for this? You'd hear this loud loading noise and then you'd know a random battle was loading. And I think random battles happened very often.

Dunno. When I played Skies of Arcadia on the Dreamcast, I lived in California, and sat further away from the system/TV than I do now.

I never did beat the game until I got the GameCube version and was able to use its 'white feather' to tone down the random combat.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

That looks really cool. How much is it?

1200 MS points or $15.00

[Greyroofoo]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

Dunno. When I played Skies of Arcadia on the Dreamcast, I lived in California, and sat further away from the system/TV than I do now.

I never did beat the game until I got the GameCube version and was able to use its 'white feather' to tone down the random combat.

I think the Gamecube version toned down the number of battles as well.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by Greyroofoo

I think the Gamecube version toned down the number of battles as well.

I don't know if it did so to the core experience, but I know you were able to collect two items - get either the white feather to tone down battles, or the black one to ramp them up.

[RainMaker]

Not sure if this has any appeal to people, but as a Bulls fan and Jordan homer, I'm really excited to do this.

NBA2K11: Gamers Can Play With Different Versions of Jordan - CNBC

[Anthony]

i was really craving NBA Jam - the original - to play on my 360 the other nite. really wished i could've downloaded it off the XBL marketplace. no such luck. apparently a new NBA Jam is probably coming out soon, but i'm not really interested in new rosters, i wanna play with like Ewing, Olajuwon, Chris Mullin, Rony Seikly, Dominique Wilkins, etc. i like old rosters.

i know this won't happen, but i hope whenever an NBA Jam comes out you have the option for old rosters.

[SackAttack]

Anthony, the problem with classic rosters is that because those players are no longer part of the NBAPA, you'd have to negotiate with each individual player to get the rights to have them in the game.

Some players are going to be less expensive than others, of course, but there's also the paperwork side of things - tracking everybody down (and their next of kin, where necessary) to get permission.

Current rosters are doable because they've already got the NBAPA license.

[Anthony]

but it wouldn't be classic rosters - it'd be the exact same rosters (either as an easter egg, or downloadable in the XBL marketplace, etc) as the original NBA Jam. you mean to tell me if XBox wanted to release a "greatest hits" game featuring the original NBA Jam it couldn't happen? i thought contracts allow the NBA to use player likenesses as they see fit, thus allowing them to license out players to game companies. it sucks, i just want the original game. at this point i think my only option for the rosters i want is to buy the coin-op one that was in the arcades. its on ebay but $900+ is a steep price to pay for early 90's rosters.

i just hate it then in this day and age when someone wants something we just can't buy it, either digitally or what have you. everything from 1990 should just be available to purchase online.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by Anthony

you mean to tell me if XBox wanted to release a "greatest hits" game featuring the original NBA Jam it couldn't happen?

Correct.

i thought contracts allow the NBA to use player likenesses as they see fit, thus allowing them to license out players to game companies.

There are typically two kinds of licenses - one with the league for league IP, such as logos, uniforms, team names, etc and one with the players' union for the right to use likenesses.

There have been some court cases recently that could ultimately change that landscape, but the need for separate licenses has been a part of the sports gaming industry pretty much since the Genesis era.

I'm sure Midway would love to cash in on the original game as a marketing push towards the new game.

it sucks, i just want the original game. at this point i think my only option for the rosters i want is to buy the coin-op one that was in the arcades. its on ebay but $900+ is a steep price to pay for early 90's rosters.

i just hate it then in this day and age when someone wants something we just can't buy it, either digitally or what have you. everything from 1990 should just be available to purchase online.

You could always buy a Sega Genesis or a Super Nintendo and a copy of NBA Jam for a combined, like, $30.

[heybrad]

Look around online and get a Genesis emulator. They're not difficult to find. Then you can play it all you want on your PC for free.

[Travis]

The recent release of Tecmo on the PS3 was like that (and I'm assuming the same on the 360). It was the 92 or 93 rosters but while it was pretty obvious who the players and the teams were (based on numbers, race, abilities), none of the team or player names were right.

A 5 minute google search later and I had the full properly named rosters loaded up thanks to the efforts of a guy who went through and did it himself, I'm sure NBA Jam would get the same sort of attention provided classic (but non named) rosters are included in the game.

[Anthony]

i saw a screen shot of NBA Jam involving the Suns - Barkley and Thunder Dan - vs two guys from Milwaukee who i don't know. i love it.

[Greyroofoo]

So I picked up Dragon Quest IX the other day and I have to say I find it rather engrossing.

[terpkristin]

Originally Posted by Greyroofoo

So I picked up Dragon Quest IX the other day and I have to say I find it rather engrossing.

I have this one too and also am quite enjoying it. I had originally put it down to play Persona 3 Portable, but decided that P3P is going to have to be a weekend game, when I have time to devote to it (I'm about 2.5 hours in and still feel like I've gotten nowhere in that one, I think because I was trying to play in 30 minutes here, 30 minutes there sessions on weeknights). So after that ramble, yeah, digging DQ IX. Going to go play now.

/tk

[RainMaker]

That is one thing that sucks about sports games is how they can't really get the old players in it. It would be amazing to get an NBA 2K game that had some of the great old teams in it with authentic arenas and uniforms for that time. Being able to put the 96 Bulls up against the 86 Celtics. Or 2010 Heat against Showtime Lakers.

It is sort of surprising that the unions haven't formed something like this for retired players so that games could just buy the license to them for a fee.