Unless I’m missing something, the only interesting game being released this week is Fight Night Champion. Normally, I would be amped for a new installment in this excellent boxing franchise, but (1) I’m off to GDC 2011, (2) I’m more than a little afraid of the new control scheme, and (3) there are two mega-hits I’m looking forward to next week. I definitely want to play this game…but it’ll have to wait.
Any of you picking up new games this week?
February getting to chilly for you? Then let these hot games warm you up! Bulletstorm has been getting a ton of buzz for its unapologetic action and this Mike “Busta” Capps interview (*snicker*). Killzone 3 is sure to dazzle PS3 action fans. If those action games aren’t for you then perhaps Knights Contract is just what the doctor ordered. I’m personally hoping De Blob 2 does well; the first game was refreshingly original and I hear that the second one is even better. Last but not least is a pair of excellent RPG re-releases for the PSP: Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness and Ys I and II.
Anyone picking up new games this week?
I was fascinated by Sony’s recent statement on PlayStation 3 circumvention and piracy. Game piracy has been a problem for the business for decades, but hardware hacking has risen thanks to the Internet. I’m getting ahead of myself though. Check out Sony’s statement if you haven’t read it already:
Notice: Unauthorized circumvention devices for the PlayStation 3 system have been recently released by hackers. These devices permit the use of unauthorized or pirated software. Use of such devices or software violates the terms of the “System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System” and the “Terms of Services and User Agreement” for the PlayStation Network/Qriocity and its Community Code of Conduct provisions. Violation of the System Software Licence Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System invalidates the consumer guarantee for that system. In addition, copying or playing pirated software is a violation of International Copyright Laws. Consumers using circumvention devices or running unauthorized or pirated software will have access to the PlayStation Network and access to Qriocity services through PlayStation 3 system terminated permanently.
To avoid this, consumers must immediately cease use and remove all circumvention devices and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation 3 systems.
On paper, Sony is right. PS3 owners have agreed to Sony’s licensing agreement and terms of service. That said, there are some people that believe they are entitled to do whatever the hell they want with the hardware they bought. Sony disagrees and has pursued legal action against PS3 jailbreakers.
I know a few of you are peeved by Sony’s policy and have sworn off future Sony purchases, but I wanted to get more opinions on the matter. How do you feel about Sony’s statement? Are you less likely to by a Sony product in the future because of the company’s stance? Or do you not care at all?
Check out this trailer for Dead Island. Sure it doesn’t represent the gameplay, but it’s just incredibly well done. It’s disturbing, haunting, and beautiful at the same time — easily one of the best trailers I’ve seen in years. Kindly check it out and share your thoughts.
Here’s a fresh batch of screens from Batman Arkham City. The Joker totally creeps me out and I’m strangely attracted to this version of Harley Quinn. Do any of you feel the same way? Or am I just being a freak?
Here’s a fresh batch of screens from Batman Arkham City. The Joker totally creeps me out and I’m strangely attracted to this version of Harley Quinn. Do any of you feel the same way? Or am I just being a freak?
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Here’s a really fun and informative interview with Epic Games president Dr. Michael Capps. Not only is he an incredibly sharp man, but he’s also a super fun guy to hang out with. I’ve always been impressed with how nimbly Epic has evolved from PC to consoles to mobile. Capps addresses that issue, as well how Infinity Blade caused Apple execs to curse in excitement, Bulletstorm, his mother’s reaction to his shower scene in the “Bulletpoints” marketing campaign, Kotaku’s Brian Crescente looking like that guy from Deuce Bigalow/The Scorpion King, me punching Cliff Bleszinski in the face, and more!
Special thanks to RPadholic smartguy for his question about Bulletpoints!
Gamers hoping to buy a used copy of DC Universe Online (PS3) so that they can’t engage in super heroics (or villainy) for a bargain price are SOL. Gamers that tried DCUO and want to get rid of it will have a difficult time doing so. Lazy Gamer discovered that the game is currently worthless in the used market because the disc and account are tied together. Here’s what the site learned from Sony Online Entertainment:
Once the PSN key has been consumed with a disk it cannot be resold/replayed with the second user adding a sub — only the original consumer can use that acct.
Disk and account are one.
That…kind of sucks. That said, my copy was comped, so I wanted to see how you feel about the matter. Is this practice unfair? Or is it a smart way for publishers to counter used-game sales? Are you less interested in DCUO and supporting SOE because of this practice? I can’t wait to see your comments on this one!
Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is getting a ton of buzz from hardcore fighters and casual fans alike. I’m not really sure how Viewtiful Joe stands a chance against the Hulk, but the kids are loving it. RPG fans looking for something quirky and imaginative will want to give Hyperdimensional Neptunia a look. If you’re behind in all things Gears then Gears of War Triple Pack will save your day.
The games that have my super excited are a pair of portable RPGs. The Nintendo DS has Dragon Quest VI, while the PSP has Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together. I’ve been psyched for the Tactics Ogre remake since it was announced last July. I can’t wait to play!
Any of you picking up new games this week?
Here are some excellent photos from RPadholic RRODizHere, chronicling his encounter with the PlayStation 3 yellow ring of death. Congrats to him on fixing his console!
Here are some excellent photos from RPadholic RRODizHere, chronicling his encounter with the PlayStation 3 yellow ring of death. Congrats to him on fixing his console!
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Here are some screens for the upcoming action-RPG Dungeon Siege III. I enjoyed the first two installments of the series by the excellent Gas Powered Games and I’m curious to see where Obsidian takes things. Obsidian has done a fine job creating follow-ups to strong originals (Neverwinter Nights 2, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, etc.) but was recently dinged for Alpha Protocol. I like those guys and I hope they do well with this game.
If you have a moment, kindly check out the screens and share your feelings like a Care Bear.
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