Final Fantasy XIII is obviously the big deal this week, but there are actually quite a few interesting games that you should keep your eye on. Also coming out for PlayStation and Xbox 360 is Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition
The handheld systems have some cool things going on too. The DS has Foto Showdown
As always, let your fellow RPadholics and me know if you’re picking up any new games this week!
Sony has filed an interesting patent for software that will cause game demos to lose functionality over time. Siliconera reported:
Sony appears to be working on a new kind of video game demo. A patent filed by SCEA details a system that gives users a full or nearly complete game to play with, but slowly removes features until you buy it.
The software has customizable triggers that disable features after a set number of plays or lapsed play time. Let’s see some theoretical examples of how this could work.
The good news is that gamers will get try more of a game before they make a purchasing decision. The bad news is that the practice is a little evil. The first thing that I thought was, “Great! Sony is following the crack-cocaine model. The first time is free!” Seriously though, depending on how it’s used, the software could be fantastic or it could piss of millions of gamers. I can’t wait to see it in practice.
What do you think? It this kind of software smart of evil? Clever or devious?
Rumors of a PSP phone have been floating around for a few years, but the latest word comes from the prestigious Wall Street Journal. Here’s what the Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper had to say about a mobile phone that happens to play PSP games:
Threatened by Apple Inc.’s growing stable of portable devices, Sony Corp. is developing a new lineup of handheld products, including a smart phone capable of downloading and playing videogames, according to people familiar with the matter.
It sounds like a great idea, but the mobile phone market is so crowded. Apple’s iPhone OS is popular with consumers around the world. Google’s Android OS is rapidly growing its installed base. Nokia’s Symbian is still hugely popular in Asia and Europe. Microsoft will be going large with Windows Phone 7 Series in late 2010. Heck, even Palm is struggling with its polished and innovative WebOS. Is there room for another player?
While playing PSP games on a phone would be cool, the rumored device would need more to compete with the aforementioned mobile operating systems. I doubt this will happen, but a Sony phone that featured a custom build of Android and PSP functionality would be terribly interesting.
Sony is allegedly working on another device that “blurs distinctions among a netbook, an e-reader and a PlayStation Portable”.
What do you think of all these Sony PSP phone rumors? Would you be interested in one?
There are a few big game releases this week, with Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Limited Edition
Other notable releases include Lips: Party Classics
Any of you guys and gals picking up new games this week? Let me know what you’re buying!
My favorite PlayStation Portable game at E3 2009, Echoshift is being released this week on Sony’s PlayStation Network. It’s a cool and clever puzzle game that’s tough to explain, so check out the video above to see what it’s all about.
With major releases in February and March, Echoshift will be overlooked by many gamers. It’s my job to bring neat games like this to your attention. It’s on the expensive side for a downloadable PSP game ($14.99), but I think it’ll be worth it. I’m going to download it for sure and if I can pry myself away from Heavy Rain, I’ll share my experience with you.
For now, let me know if you’re interested in Echoshift.
Catching up with EEDAR director of analyst services Jesse Divnich was completely cool. Naturally, I asked him about how the console wars will shake out in 2010, as well as Project Natal vs. PlayStation Arc/Gem and traditional handheld gaming vs. iPhone/iPod/iPad.
Things got really fun when I asked Divnich about his background and how he became a gaming analyst. It’s a tale of a “hick from French-Canada” moving to America by himself, living in a trailer park, studying hard, and working his ass off to become one of the top analysts in the business. Divnich also revealed why he’s better than his competitors and spoke about his relationship with Michael Pachter. (If I had it my way it would be The Divnich Debrief vs. Pach Attack.)
Oh yeah, you’ll also learn why Canadians would make the best terrorists. How can you pass that up?!?
The first NPD hardware numbers of the new year and new decade are out! Let’s take a look at the console hardware sales figures for January 2010:
Naturally, sales had to be down from December and the ultra-busy holiday period. The Wii and DS continued to lead the business, while the Xbox 360 beat out the PlayStation 3. It will be interesting to see if the PS3 picks up in February and March. There are a few PS3 exclusives that will surely sell well, what will they move hardware?
Now channel your inner Jesse Divnich and analyze the numbers yourselves!
NPD Group released its console software sales figures for January 2010 and it pretty much looks like the previous couple of months, though a few new entries managed to crack the top 10. Check it out!
(Xbox 360): 572,100
(Xbox 360): 246,500
(Wii): 191,900
(Xbox 360): 171,200New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Modern Warfare 2 continued to dominate the charts. Although Mario took the top spot, MW2 for 360 is actually beating it out in North America. Globally it’s a different story and if Mario has legs like other Wii titles, I expect it to take the lead over here. Speaking of legs, Mario Kart Wii has demonstrated crazy lasting power, appearing on the charts well after its release. The awesome peeps at BioWare put up strong numbers with Mass Effect 2 — seriously guys, you’re my second favorite thing about Canada. You rule!
One question for you: Just Dance?!? Really?!?
Nippon Ichi Software has announced that it has changed the name of Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! for Sony PlayStation Portable to What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord?! So instead of a title that uses an Adam West Batman pun, the game will now make people think of The Pet Shop Boys.
Check out the box art below.
THQ has announced that UFC Undisputed will be hitting store shelves on May 25, 2010, sporting Brock Lesnar as the cover athlete. The company claims that its second UFC game is, “Poised to deliver intelligent and intuitive combat, increased fighter customization, robust career progression, challenging new gameplay modes and explosive online offerings.” Hopefully the explosive offerings have nothing to do with gastrointestinal issues (MMA fighters wear skimpy shorts, after all).
The first UFC Undisputed was a huge hit last year. Considering the popularity of MMA and UFC, that wasn’t too surprising. That said, it was a strong return for MMA to videogames and the sophomore effort should be even better.
I’m definitely psyched for this one. How about you?
