Tag: PC Gaming

Coffee Talk #23: The Perils of Day One DLC

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, the rage of the Red Lanterns, how crazy British fans are for WWE, or the awesomeness of in-flight WiFi, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Launching downloadable content on day one is a sticky situation. You just bought a game. You want to jump right in and experience everything, but before you can do that you have to enter a bunch of DLC codes or purchase some additional content. After dropping $60, shouldn’t you be entitled to experience everything a game has to offer as soon as you pop it into your system of choice?

Dragon Age Shale

Free DLC I can totally understand. Some developers are using free DLC to combat piracy. It’s still a minor inconvenience, but it helps out a larger problem. What I do have an issue with is DLC you have to pay for on day one. I’m alarmed that some games — even ones I adore like Dragon Age: Origins — have additional content that’s available for purchase as soon as the game comes out. This stuff should be included on the disc or available as a free download.

I understand that game budgets are getting bigger all the time, but gamer’s budgets have been shrinking over the last few years. Combating piracy is one thing, but essentially raising the initial cost of the game is another.

What are you thoughts on day one DLC? Does it bother you that paid content is available when a game ships? Or do you think it’s the future of the business and that we’ll be paying more money at launch between the retail copy and DLC?

The Evil Empire Strikes Back: EA to Focus on Sequels

Darth Vader

For the longest time, EA was the evil empire of the gaming world, relying heavily on sequels and licensed games. Recently, the company changed its image through games like The Orange Box, Skate, Dead Space, Mirror’s Edge, Brutal Legend, and more. Sure, the company still had its fair share of sequels and licensed titles, but it also offered a lot of original franchises from some of the best developers in the business. It looks like the economy has rained on EA’s parade of freshness and originality. According to Develop, the company will be focusing on sequels in the immediate future due to the economy.

Rapidly changing publisher EA has revealed that as well as shedding a huge 1,500 jobs, the company has also ditched a dozen announced projects to focus on its established and successful franchises.

The admission flies in the face of statements made by CEO John Riccitiello earlier this year where the outspoken exec claimed that EA had previously been too reliant on licenses and franchises and intended in future to focus on create its own new IP.

This saddens me. EA had a chance to be a huge publisher that was also cutting edge. Between EA’s fresh IPs and Activision taking sequelitis to new heights, EA wasn’t considered the evil empire anymore. Unfortunately, the economy sucks and there are shareholders to answer to. There’s a good chance that the emperor will reclaim the throne, but I will hold out hope that EA Partners will continue to be a creative force within the company.

Source

Coffee Talk #22: Gaming in the Friendly Skies

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, Batman vs. Captain America, the upcoming fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, or playing Dragon Age: Origins until 3AM when you have a 6:05AM flight, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I’m writing this blog entry on United Airlines flight 84. It’s pretty rad that airplanes have WiFi now. I’m actually one of the few people I know that sleeps very well on planes (I can fall asleep on the flight from SNA to LAX). Most of my friends can’t catch Z’s in the air, so WiFi gives them another entertainment option.

Pokemon Platinum

I’ve flown a lot over the last 11 years, particularly to various parts of Asia. When I’m not sleeping like a baby, gaming is a huge part of helping me get through a trans-Pacific flight. I’ve had epic Pokemon training and breeding sessions in the air (does this mean my Pokemon are part of the mile-high club?). More recently, I’ve conquered the world again and again in Civilization Revolution for iPhone. From my GBA to GBA SP to PSP to DS Lite, portable gaming is just an enormous part of my in-flight experience.

Today I wanted to ask you about your airplane gaming habits. Do you play lots of games in the friendly skies? What kinds of games do you prefer for flights? Do you recall any epic gaming sessions you’ve had while flying? Since I’m going to be in the air most of the day, I’m hoping for some great stories!

Today’s Poll: What Dragon Age Race are You Playing As?

Dragon Age Origins chicky

I know a bunch of you are playing Dragon Age: Origins. I wanted to see which race you selected for your first run. If you haven’t picked up the game but are planning to, let everyone know which race you intend to play as the first time through. As for me, I picked a Dalish Elf rogue that will eventually become an assassin or a duelist.

[poll id=”6″]

Violent Games to be Banned in Venezuela

Venezuela Flag

The Venezuelan parliament will be banning the production, import, and sale of “violent” games. According to Ria Novosti:

The Venezuelan parliament has adopted a law outlawing the production, import and sale of toy weapons and violent video games, the Globovision TV station said on Friday.

The law, violation of which is punishable by jail terms of between three and five years, will come into force in three months’ time.

Personally, I think this is crap. Parents should be responsible for the content their kids enjoy. It’s up to them to decide what’s suitable or unsuitable for their children. I find it ridiculous that the Venezuelan government felt the need to intervene. Drafting and passing this law was a waste of time and money. What do they really hope to accomplish here?

I sincerely doubt the new law will change any behavior, but I want to hear your take on the matter. Shout it out!

Source via Game Politics

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

My gaming goals are pretty diverse this weekend. I’m going to give WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 a break for a week or two. One of my closest friends is starting up Borderlands and I want to play some co-op with him. I love playing cooperative games with a good friend; other than family and a couple that has a child together, is there a stronger bond in humanity than between two people that play co-op games?

weeklies

I also picked up Tekken 6. All my industry friends are telling me that the net code is a mess, but I’m actually playing this one for the story and Panda. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always been fascinated by the world of Tekken 6. Some of the plot points are goofy, but I’ve always enjoyed the story. *shrug*

Of course I’m going to be spending the bulk of the weekend playing Dragon Age: Origins. Actually, I’m probably going to ditch my Borderlands friend and Tekken 6 for Dragon Age. My plan is to play all three, but who am I kidding?!? BioWare rules!!!

As always, let me and your fellow RPadholics know what you’re playing this weekend!

Coffee Talk #20: Bluetooth Headsets and Gaming

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, how badly you wish you were at the Canyon of Champions today, Nigel McGuiness’ corny lines on TNA Wrestling, or the sleep vs. Dragon Age: Origins debate Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Up until a few years ago, I felt that Bluetooth headsets were exclusively for wankers. It was just impossible not to look like a complete tool when using one. My stance has softened after the sensible banning of mobile phone use while driving and the PlayStation 3’s inclusion of Bluetooth. One of the things I like about the PS3 is that it allows you to use any Bluetooth headset you want, rather than a proprietary one. I like that consumers can spend as much or as little as they wish for chatting with their fellow PS3 gamers.

jawbone 1

One line of Bluetooth headsets that I’ve had extremely positive results with is Aliph’s Jawbone series. The models are very stylish and also feature effective noise reduction. The “noise killer” feature of the Jawbone is fantastic for those that use their headsets outdoors or in crowded areas. Gamers that play in a living room full of noisy siblings will also appreciate the noise reduction. I’m playing around with Aliph’s latest model, the Jawbone Prime, and will have a review-type article up next week.

For now, I wanted to ask you if you use a Bluetooth headset with your PlayStation 3 or mobile phone. What model do you use? What are your priorities when selecting a Bluetooth headset? Price? Style? Features? Leave a comment and let me know (please)!

Bonus Rounds (Car Smashing) Return in Super Street Fighter IV

Super Street Fighter IV bonus round

Capcom community ace and fighting game guru Seth Killian has revealed that bonus rounds will return in the upcoming Super Street Fighter. The man known at S-kill said:

Yep, bonus stage action is back in Super Street Fighter IV. Innocently parked cars, we’re officially putting you on notice to watch your backs.

This is awesome. I’m totally down with dragon punching cars again. Hopefully there are some new stages to spruce things up too. Hmmm, maybe Capcom can do some crossover and have the world warriors beat up some Monster Hunter critters in a speed challenge….

Source

Mass Effect 2 Collector’s Edition Detailed

Mass Effect 2 Collectors Edition

Electronic Arts has announced details on the $69.99 Mass Effect 2 Collector’s Edition. Today’s press release stated:

Available on January 26 in North America (Jan 29 in EU) alongside the standard edition, the Collectors’ Edition of Mass Effect 2 comes in a premium, tin case and includes the full version of the game, a 48-page hardcover “Art of Mass Effect 2” book, Issue 1 of the Mass Effect Redemption comic book, and a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes and making-of videos. In addition, the Mass Effect 2 Collectors’ Edition will include unique in-game weapons and armor that can only be obtained by purchasing this version.

I’m pretty sure I’ll still be playing Dragon Age: Origins when ME2 comes out, but I’ll be sure to get this game (and really, anything that BioWare puts out). How about you? Collector’s or plain vanilla?