Category: Videogames

Coffee Talk #147: How Will Gaming Get More Expensive?

It used to be that you needed a console, a controller, and cartridge/disc to enjoy a game. While the prices of consoles and games haven’t gone up too much over the years, you have to spend more money than ever to play games. On the hardware side you have accessories, on the software side you have DLC, and on the services side you have Xbox Live Gold. All of that stuff adds up!

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Monday Night Raw rocking Toronto, your American Idol pick, or Nick Johnson lasting an entire month before requiring surgery, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

It used to be that you needed a console, a controller, and cartridge/disc to enjoy a game. While the prices of consoles and games haven’t gone up too much over the years, you have to spend more money than ever to play games. On the hardware side you have accessories, on the software side you have DLC, and on the services side you have Xbox Live Gold. All of that stuff adds up!

While I’m surprised that Sony has taken this long to offer a premium version of PlayStation Network (rumored to be debuting at E3 2010), I’m impressed by EA’s ingenuity when it comes to making games more expensive. The EA Online Pass makes used and rented games more expensive by requiring a code to access all online content and features. I understand that company’s issue with the used-game market, but from a consumer’s perspective the company has pissed on two ways gamers can save money.

What’s left? How can publishers, console manufacturers, etc. get more of our money? It looks like all the bases are covered, but I’m sure someone, somewhere (probably Bobby Kotick *snicker*) will find a new way to part gamers with cash. What do you think it will be? How can gaming get more expensive?

UFC Undisputed 2010 Developer Diary: Online Fight Camps

Here’s a cool UFC Undisputed 2010 developer diary on one of the game’s new online features — fight camps. An MMA fighter’s teammates and training partners can play a huge part in his success. This online mode lets gamers replicate the “camp” feeling. In this video, Undisputed Producer Neven Dravinski and MMA Manager Ed Soares discuss the new feature.

I know RPadholic Big Blak is really looking forward to this game. Anyone else planning on picking it up? Want to start an RPad.tv stable? We could rule the MMA world!

Oodles of Disgaea Infinite Screens

I love the Disgaea series. The gameplay and writing are superb. As you can imagine, I’m super psyched for the June release of Disgaea Infinite for Sony PlayStation Portable. It’s going to rock and the replay value will be so excellent that there’s a good chance it will keep me occupied until Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep is released. That sounds like a great plan! Anyway, eat up these screen shots and let me know what you think of them.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Coming September 7

Square Enix has finally announced the released date for the North American version of Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep — September 7, 2010!!! Naturally, Sony will be offering a PSP bundle to commemorate the game’s release (or move old hardware depending on your perspective). Be sure to check out the video above and enjoy this lovely snippet of press release magic:

Players will explore iconic Disney worlds in a unique gaming experience that unfolds through the perspectives of three different main characters: Terra, Ventus and Aqua. Their journeys will take them through Sleeping Beauty’s Enchanted Dominion, the Dwarf Woodlands from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Deep Space from Lilo & Stitch. Additionally, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep includes four all-new multiplayer modes that allow players to enjoy the action with their friends.

I love the Kingdom Hearts franchise and can’t wait for this game! Button-mashing combat, Disney characters, Final Fantasy characters, and Nomura art — what’s not to love?!? Who else is psyched for this one?

Is Final Fantasy XIII More of an Adventure Game Than an RPG?

BioWare writing director Daniel Erickson made lots of noise yesterday in an interview with Strategy Informer by stating that Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIII is not an RPG. It’s an interesting stance and a great starting point for discussion. Before I get to that, here’s the exact quote:

You can put a ‘J’ in front of it, but it’s not an RPG. You don’t make any choices, you don’t create a character, you don’t live your character… I don’t know what those are — adventure games maybe? But they’re not RPG’s.

I agree with two of his three points. You don’t make choices or create characters in FFXIII, but I definitely enjoyed viewing things from the characters’ perspectives. The characterization is one of the game’s strongest points. That said, is FFXIII more of an adventure game than a true RPG? Or has the definition of what an RPG is evolved over time? I’d love to hear your thoughts on that matter!

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Coffee Talk #145: What Will You Play Games on in the Future?

At a recent financial results briefing, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said, “We do not think that the combination of a game system and dedicated software will last forever.” As we all know, nothing lasts forever…even cold November rain. Seriously though, I found it terribly interesting that Iwata was completely candid about consoles eventually going the way of the dodo. If Nintendo — which sells tens of millions of systems every year — can admit this then shouldn’t we be wondering what’s next?

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, tomorrow’s excellent boxing card on HBO, Google I/O, or Captain Carrot, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

At a recent financial results briefing, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said, “We do not think that the combination of a game system and dedicated software will last forever.” As we all know, nothing lasts forever…even cold November rain. Seriously though, I found it terribly interesting that Iwata was completely candid about consoles eventually going the way of the dodo. If Nintendo — which sells tens of millions of systems every year — can admit this then shouldn’t we be wondering what’s next?

What do you think you’ll be playing games on ten years from now? Surely you don’t think the disc-and-box combination will still be around, do you? Perhaps systems like OnLive and Gaikai are glimpse of what the future holds. Maybe you’ll be plugging controllers directly into your television, which will stream games to you in the blink of an eye. Will game pads have even more buttons? Or will motion controls be so advanced that even intricate games will be easily controllable through hand gestures?

Put on your thinking caps (fact: I never owned a thinking cap) and share your vision of gaming’s future (please)!

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

There’s only one game that exists to me right now: Scrabble on Hasbro Family Game Night. My training has been going well. My power level is increasing, though it’s still not where it was when Zoe and I competed. Hopefully it will get to that level…and perhaps beyond. The only thing that could possibly get in the way is Alan Wake. I should have my copy tomorrow and that’ll probably be too good to pass up.

How about you guys and gals? Any Mac users out there giving Steam a whirl? Or is it going to be another weekend of Just Dance? Kindly share your weekend playlist!

Killzone 2 Helghast Featured in Hot Shots Tennis for PSP

In a supremely cute crossover, the Helghast from Killzone 2 are playable in the upcoming Hot Shots Tennis: Get a Grip for Sony PlayStation Portable (available June 2010). Sony Computer Entertainment America producer Chris Hinojosa-Miranda hinted at additional unlockable characters on a PlayStation Blog post. As a huge fan of the Mario Tennis series, I’m really looking forward to this PSP game and am very curious about the other unlockable characters.

Are there any Sony characters you want to hit tennis balls with? I bet Sly Cooper has a wicked slice backhand. Clank’s precise movement probably rivals Roger Federer’s. Kratos probably has some mad power. The possibilities are awesome!

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Coffee Talk #144: Do You Like Mediocre Games/Music/Movies?

I’ve been questioning my taste in movies for the last year or so. I think it started when I saw Semi-Pro on cable. I really enjoy Will Ferrell movies, but this one got panned so I didn’t see it in theaters. I was shocked by how much I enjoyed it on cable. It wasn’t a great movie, but it certainly entertained me. It was the same exact thing with Forgetting Sarah Marshall — totally enjoyed it, despite the poor reviews. Next it was Role Models, I Love You, Man, and Land of the Lost.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Ken Griffey, Jr. sleeping in the clubhouse, whether Lebron James should ditch Cleveland, or Howard the Duck, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I’ve been questioning my taste in movies for the last year or so. I think it started when I saw Semi-Pro on cable. I really enjoy Will Ferrell movies, but this one got panned so I didn’t see it in theaters. I was shocked by how much I enjoyed it on cable. It wasn’t a great movie, but it certainly entertained me. It was the same exact thing with Forgetting Sarah Marshall — totally enjoyed it, despite the poor reviews. Next it was Role Models, I Love You, Man, and Land of the Lost.

Initially I was worried that getting older has made me lower my standards, but I don’t think that’s the case. I realize that some of these movies aren’t the best; I just happen to find a lot of the writing and scenes entertaining. Perhaps I’m just drawn to Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, and Jason Segel. I don’t know and really, I don’t care anymore. I accept that I enjoy these movies and I’m comfortable with it.

Today I want to know what movies, games, music, etc. you enjoy, even though you know they’re not the best. Let’s celebrate mediocrity on this fine Thursday!!!

Pokemon Black and White Starters Revealed + A Poll

The excellent people at Serebii have translated a recent issue of CoroCoro magazine that revealed information on the starter Pokemon in the upcoming Pokemon Black/White. As expected, you can choose from a fire, water, and grass Pokemon. (In my best Bob Sheppard voice) And now…your starting lineup…for Pokemon Black/White:

  • Tsutaja — A snake-like grass Pokemon
  • Pokabu — A pig-like fire Pokemon
  • Mijumaru — An otter-like water Pokemon

I’m really digging the new starter Pokemon designs. I have a soft spot in my heart for grass starters (bulbasaur and chikorita rule!) and Tsutaja seems like an interesting choice. However, the concept of a fire pig is just awesome. Otters are also amusing to me, simply because of a term I learned a few years ago from a San Francisco bear (bonus points if you know what an otter is in the context of the gay community).

Now for the poll!

[poll id=”45″]

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