Video games...what ya playing? And what are you looking forward to? (6 Viewers)

[Andy Dufresne]

Alien Colonial Marines is getting slammed.

Sounds like I can scratch one off the list:Review

Aliens Colonial Marines review: Bore to the corps by Xav de Matos on Feb 12th 2013 11:00AM Aliens: Colonial Marines seems like a product developed over a series of Friday afternoons. You know, those long days where passion felt throughout the rest of the week has dissolved and all that's left are the moments you count off in your head as the clock inches toward closing time.Though my tongue is planted firmly in cheek as I describe Gearbox's development schedule, Aliens: Colonial Marines showcases the monstrous pendulum that swings between the quality of the products released by the Texas studio. Whatever magic Gearbox pours into the Borderlands series, it isn't to be found here, and despite being blessed with a franchise practically tailor-made for a video game adaptation, Aliens: Colonial Marines is devoid of any redeeming qualities whatsoever.Aliens: Colonial Marines falls apart almost immediately, taking the established narrative of the Alien films and retroactively altering their events in an attempt to strengthen its own adventure. Using the laziest of approaches – bringing back the dead – the rewrite may have been intended to give some importance to the new group of grunts pitted against the xenomorphs, but it serves no purpose. Gearbox's narrative is a poorly constructed patchwork of moments you've already experienced in the films, with locations and action beats that are, in one fell swoop, both inspired and uninspiring. New to the series? Be prepared for confusion, because Aliens: Colonial Marines does little to explain anything of substance.The mood is right in certain areas, with dim, swinging lights and metal corridors warped from previous battles, but Aliens: Colonial Marines looks painfully dated. Despite being powered by the malleable Unreal Engine 3, it looks on par with the engine's original third-party efforts. Animations are awkward, character models collide and pass through each other, objects are often found suspended in midair. It all seems so unfinished. Even with specs raised to the limit on PC, Colonial Marines is an ugly game.Enemy encounters feature stunningly moronic xenomorphs that show none of the tactical sense seen in the films. There's no tension or challenge to the engagements. The highly-intelligent alien race simply leaps or rushes toward the player, exploding in a mist of acidic blood after absorbing enough shots. If any of them fail to combust, they simply fade away. Aliens: Colonial Marines also throws human adversaries your way, and they have a little more sense, but those battles will only leave you wishing more attention was paid to making the aliens the most devastating foe in the game. Multiplayer has some interesting ideas, but it's marred by an underdeveloped upgrade system and combat that lacks in feedback. Aliens feel under-powered online and are so quickly dispatched by humans that the experience isn't fun. Facing off against a single xenomorph should be a harrowing experience, but in Colonial Marines – whether it's online or off – it's just another thing to shoot at.Co-op is a tacked-on experience, too, allowing for four players to complete the campaign. In my experience, it was more fun to poke jokes at the game's strangest moments – like aliens hiding behind cover or getting stuck on scenery – than it was to actually play. Alone or with friends, there are a number of bugs too. For example, I was once tasked with disabling an automated turret, which failed to appear until after I'd already walked through where it was supposed to be.The marriage of a first-person shooter and the Alien franchise should be a perfect fit, especially from Gearbox, a team rooted in the genre. And yet, the pairing eludes a happy ending once again. Aliens: Colonial Marines isn't disappointing because it couldn't live up to lofty expectations, it's disappointing because it turned out to be such an unfettered disaster.

Ooooofffff..

 

[SlaX]

So a machine that has always on internet and has a sensor that tracks my every move?No thanks, Microsoft.

I haven't seen a positive thing about the new XBox yet, other than it's gonna be new. With the lack of exclusives that the XBox has had over the years, I can't see any reason I'd want one now. Microsoft's gonna have to bring it to "WOW" me.

 

[Jobber]

So a machine that has always on internet and has a sensor that tracks my every move?No thanks, Microsoft.

I haven't seen a positive thing about the new XBox yet, other than it's gonna be new. With the lack of exclusives that the XBox has had over the years, I can't see any reason I'd want one now. Microsoft's gonna have to bring it to "WOW" me.

Is there any news on what games will launch with the new Xbox? How about the PS4?

 

[SlaX]

So a machine that has always on internet and has a sensor that tracks my every move?

No thanks, Microsoft.

It's called a Jump To Conclusions mat

It's also this line from Kotaku's article about it that has me concerned:

The new version of the camera is able to track up to six individual "skeletons" in the same room at all times. This has clear gameplay implications, such as allowing a game to instantly identify a person, but could also be related to a recently-patented Microsoft system for monitoring and maybe even charging users based on who is watching what.

I know all these rumors are based on the development kit, but Microsoft's gonna have to step in and say what this system CAN do and not what it can't do and what it's required from you soon.

 

[SlaX]

So a machine that has always on internet and has a sensor that tracks my every move?No thanks, Microsoft.

I haven't seen a positive thing about the new XBox yet, other than it's gonna be new. With the lack of exclusives that the XBox has had over the years, I can't see any reason I'd want one now. Microsoft's gonna have to bring it to "WOW" me.

Is there any news on what games will launch with the new Xbox? How about the PS4?

Not yet. Anything out of the XBox camp has been rumors or leaks. Nothing has been announced officially, but I gotta think that after Sony has their official PS4 announcement next week, that Microsoft won't have the luxury of waiting until E3. They're gonna have to make an announcement prior on their own. I doubt we'll hear about games until E3. Maybe one or two will be shown during the announcement.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

So a machine that has always on internet and has a sensor that tracks my every move?No thanks, Microsoft.

I haven't seen a positive thing about the new XBox yet, other than it's gonna be new. With the lack of exclusives that the XBox has had over the years, I can't see any reason I'd want one now. Microsoft's gonna have to bring it to "WOW" me.

Is there any news on what games will launch with the new Xbox? How about the PS4?

Not yet. Anything out of the XBox camp has been rumors or leaks. Nothing has been announced officially, but I gotta think that after Sony has their official PS4 announcement next week, that Microsoft won't have the luxury of waiting until E3. They're gonna have to make an announcement prior on their own. I doubt we'll hear about games until E3. Maybe one or two will be shown during the announcement.

I've seen PS4 rumors involving Killzone 4 and a new arcade racer (not Motorstorm but the same studio that made Motorstorm) as PS4 launch titles. KZ4 is kind of a no-brainer IMO given that KZ3 came out a couple of years ago, so the timing would make sense.

 

[SlaX]

Not an exclusive, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Watch Dogs moved as a launch title for either or both systems. Maybe even the new Assassin's Creed that was announced recently. Ubisoft loves launches. Also, GTA5 can easily be a launch title. That said. For Microsoft, I'm not sure. Halo 4 and Forza Horizon came out very recently. Gears of War: Judgement is coming in a month or so. I'm having trouble thinking of any other exclusive franchises that are on the XBox, aside from ####ty Kinect games. Help me out here, if you can think of any more. They had a much better exclusive lineup when they owned rights to Mass Effect, and even Bioshock was an exclusive for over a year. For Sony, I'm not a PS fanboy, as I've never actually owned a Playstation anything. But I have to think they have more exclusives and have a better chance for a good launch.

 

[TxBuckeye]

I think the Kinect stuff is a little different - it's probably here to stay in one form or another. It makes a lot of sense for some games. I do agree with you that a lot of Kinect games are junk that don't work well, but I'm confident the industry will learn that every game doesn't need it. But it's good for some sports games, exercise/dance games, music games, and probably a few other neat things we haven't heard of coming down the pike. I'm actually looking forward to seeing what they do with it.

None of that justifies it being REQUIRED though. To put it simply, I don't play any of the types of games you just mentioned that it works well with. So why should I be required to have one? It's just something else I have to find space for that can break down.

 

[Worm]

I wouldn't be surprised if the next Call of Duty game is a 'bundle game' for both systems.

 

[flysack]

Can someone help the technically challenged?The Skyrim DLC "Dragonborn" is supposed to be released for PS3 today. I can't find it anywhere. Not in the PS3 store, nor through the game. Is Bethesda yanking us PS3 users again, or am I a dunce?TIA. Will answer yours.

 

[SlaX]

Can someone help the technically challenged?The Skyrim DLC "Dragonborn" is supposed to be released for PS3 today. I can't find it anywhere. Not in the PS3 store, nor through the game. Is Bethesda yanking us PS3 users again, or am I a dunce?TIA. Will answer yours.

According to Sony. 3pm central time, so about 3 1/2 hrs and you can download it.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Can someone help the technically challenged?The Skyrim DLC "Dragonborn" is supposed to be released for PS3 today. I can't find it anywhere. Not in the PS3 store, nor through the game. Is Bethesda yanking us PS3 users again, or am I a dunce?TIA. Will answer yours.

According to Sony. 3pm central time, so about 3 1/2 hrs and you can download it.

The PSN store always updates late in the day. It's annoying.

 

[flysack]

Can someone help the technically challenged?The Skyrim DLC "Dragonborn" is supposed to be released for PS3 today. I can't find it anywhere. Not in the PS3 store, nor through the game. Is Bethesda yanking us PS3 users again, or am I a dunce?TIA. Will answer yours.

According to Sony. 3pm central time, so about 3 1/2 hrs and you can download it.

The PSN store always updates late in the day. It's annoying.

Thanks.

 

[jwb]

I think the Kinect stuff is a little different - it's probably here to stay in one form or another. It makes a lot of sense for some games. I do agree with you that a lot of Kinect games are junk that don't work well, but I'm confident the industry will learn that every game doesn't need it. But it's good for some sports games, exercise/dance games, music games, and probably a few other neat things we haven't heard of coming down the pike. I'm actually looking forward to seeing what they do with it.

None of that justifies it being REQUIRED though. To put it simply, I don't play any of the types of games you just mentioned that it works well with. So why should I be required to have one? It's just something else I have to find space for that can break down.

It very well might be built right in. We really don't know yet.

 

[Drifter]

More 720 news and rumors

Xbox 720 to Reportedly Require Kinect to Function, Support Multitasking

System could require motion sensor to function.

February 11, 2013

by Scott Lowe

The next-generation Xbox may not only be accompanied by a new and improved Kinect, but may actually require the sensor to function. Kotaku has published an exhaustive report about Microsoft's forthcoming console, lending credence to many prior rumors about the system's performance and features, but revealing new information about how the system may interact with Kinect, as well as its capacity for running multiple simultaneous games and apps.

According to the site's source, SuperDaE, who you might remember as the source of PlayStation 4 devkit rumors last month and attempting to sell a Durango devkit on eBay last year, every Xbox 720 will ship with the next-generation Kinect and will require the sensor to be connected in order to function. The company is apparently building Kinect functionality into the framework of the system, using the sensor to identify players and even accept Siri-like voice commands. This marks a bold new push for Kinect integration, which has been slow-growing for the Xbox 360. As we've heard in the past, Kotaku says that the emphasis on Kinect will come paired with substantial performance improvements, with the sensor capable of tracking six simultaneous players and detecting even the smallest of gestures and facial expressions.

SuperDaE has also revealed information about how the system stores and installs games. Unlike the Xbox 360, the next Xbox will ship in only one configuration with 500GB of storage, allowing players to install games from discs. Using its powerful new internals, the Xbox 720 will be capable of installing games as you play them, limiting lengthy load times.

Everyone wants to run head first into the next big thing. Hasn't the industry taught them anything over the last 30 years? Gimmicks controllers and add-ons are fads that come and go. If the games that go with them suck, what's the point? People buy your system to play the games on it. Every Kinect game I've ever played has sucked and/or not worked as intended. It's why I don't own a Kinect for my 360.

Microsoft is trying to leverage their vision of whole house life integrated computers to re-establish its dominance. What they are talking about here seems like a step in that greater vision.

 

[flysack]

5pm and Dragonborn still isn't available. Nice 2-12-13 release, fellas.The PS3 may be a fantastic machine, but the support is the worst.

 

[NewlyRetired]

CFO from EA was asked about the next gens blocking used games and here was his response

How about the rumors that the next PlayStation and Xbox may lock out used games, or go fully digital?"It's one of these classic double-edged swords. In one way the used game business has been critical for the health of the retail channel, and having a healthy retail channel is an important thing for us. The business will probably never be 100 percent digital."

 

[IvanKaramazov]

CFO from EA was asked about the next gens blocking used games and here was his response

How about the rumors that the next PlayStation and Xbox may lock out used games, or go fully digital?"It's one of these classic double-edged swords. In one way the used game business has been critical for the health of the retail channel, and having a healthy retail channel is an important thing for us. The business will probably never be 100 percent digital."

Way to dodge the question.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Last of Us is now scheduled to drop on June 14 around the world, delayed from its initial launch date of May 7.

<_<

In other news, System Shock 2 will be coming to Steam tomorrow.

Might have to play that... One of the comments has texture, sound, and model update links.

 

[NewlyRetired]

CFO from EA was asked about the next gens blocking used games and here was his response

How about the rumors that the next PlayStation and Xbox may lock out used games, or go fully digital?"It's one of these classic double-edged swords. In one way the used game business has been critical for the health of the retail channel, and having a healthy retail channel is an important thing for us. The business will probably never be 100 percent digital."

Way to dodge the question.

While his answer did not give anything away, I though that the perspective of the used games being good for developers like EA was interesting.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Just finished up my first play through of Mass Effect. Maxed it out at level 50 and took about 37 hours.I am going to spin up a hard core run now to try and build the character to level 60.

 

[Insein]

Just finished up my first play through of Mass Effect. Maxed it out at level 50 and took about 37 hours.I am going to spin up a hard core run now to try and build the character to level 60.

Those last 10 levels are killer. I finished a playthrough back in 2008 on level 59 and never had the chance to get to 60 yet. It takes forever.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Just finished up my first play through of Mass Effect. Maxed it out at level 50 and took about 37 hours.I am going to spin up a hard core run now to try and build the character to level 60.

Those last 10 levels are killer. I finished a playthrough back in 2008 on level 59 and never had the chance to get to 60 yet. It takes forever.

Yeah, I need to play through a couple of more times to get the platinum trophy if I can so I should be able to pick it up on the insanity or clean up run after the hard core run.

 

[Insein]

Just finished up my first play through of Mass Effect. Maxed it out at level 50 and took about 37 hours.I am going to spin up a hard core run now to try and build the character to level 60.

Those last 10 levels are killer. I finished a playthrough back in 2008 on level 59 and never had the chance to get to 60 yet. It takes forever.

Yeah, I need to play through a couple of more times to get the platinum trophy if I can so I should be able to pick it up on the insanity or clean up run after the hard core run.

When I first played, I blew through 2 runs without even thinking. The game never got boring to me. Been awhile since I had a game that fun.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

A few leaked pictures of the new PS4 controller are floating around out there now. The biggest thing IMO is that it seems to have a built-in mic, which would really be helfpul for MP games.

 

[NewlyRetired]

A few leaked pictures of the new PS4 controller are floating around out there now. The biggest thing IMO is that it seems to have a built-in mic, which would really be helfpul for MP games.

it looks very similar to what many predicted and mock ups I have seen the last few months. The touch screen also gives the ability for many soft keys outside of the normal start and select hard keys.Hope we get some good information next week to dig through.

 

[Drifter]

Went to the PS Store to check out Kingdomes of Amalur based on all the feedback here - $40! Seriously?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I never played any Assassin's Creed games, but picked up AC3. Are they all this slow and sucky? It's a simulation? WTF?

 

[SlaX]

I never played any Assassin's Creed games, but picked up AC3. Are they all this slow and sucky? It's a simulation? WTF?

They aren't all as sucky as AC3. Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood and Revelations are the best. The first was probably about as slow as AC3. And...

Spoiler

Yes, the story of Assassin's Creed is that you are actually Desmond Miles, a person from the present. You use a simulator called the Animus to reconnect your memories with ancestor's memories. It's in those memories where the majority of the game takes place, however Desmond does have a story of his own. Since you started with the last one, then you probably won't care about Desmond's story. I remember having that WTF moment when I started the first Assassin's Creed game and saw that it was actually a Sci-Fi game rather than a historical one.

 

[5Rings]

Just finished up my first play through of Mass Effect. Maxed it out at level 50 and took about 37 hours.I am going to spin up a hard core run now to try and build the character to level 60.

I went directly on to ME2. It will be interesting to compare experiences.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Just finished up my first play through of Mass Effect. Maxed it out at level 50 and took about 37 hours.I am going to spin up a hard core run now to try and build the character to level 60.

I went directly on to ME2. It will be interesting to compare experiences.

Hard core is much more interesting than my first run through. I think I must have used too easy a setting because I could basically stand in the middle of the room in the open and just fire away and never have to worry about dieing.First couple of fights in hard core and I got wiped out doing that so using cover is now fun and interesting. Gives a much different feel to the game.I will be moving on to Mass Effect 2 in a while. I am going to make a run at the Platinum but if it gets too much, I will head on to Mass Effect 2.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Went to the PS Store to check out Kingdomes of Amalur based on all the feedback here - $40! Seriously?

That is way too much. They are going anywhere between $15 and $25 on eBay right nowMy link

 

[shadyridr]

I never played any Assassin's Creed games, but picked up AC3. Are they all this slow and sucky? It's a simulation? WTF?

AC3 started off really slow. The first 6 hours are like tutorial. It does pick up however its not as good as AC2

 

[thecatch]

I never played any Assassin's Creed games, but picked up AC3. Are they all this slow and sucky? It's a simulation? WTF?

AC3 started off really slow. The first 6 hours are like tutorial. It does pick up however its not as good as AC2

There are a lot of things I loved about AC3, but it did take a very long time to pick up steam. Even then, it doesn't help that the tutorial character is much more interesting than the main character.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The 20th can't get here fast enough. In the last couple of days Sony has released promotional videos on the PS and PS2 and one on the PS3 is expected, all leading up to what is almost assuredly now the PS4 reveal. Here is the latest interesting rumor on the device:

Report: PlayStation 4 Will Stream GamesFebruary 15, 2013by Colin MoriartyNot surprisingly, the PlayStation 4 rumors have been flowing as of late. With the expected reveal of the console coming this Wednesday, February 20 in New York City, it only makes sense that little bits of information would begin to emerge about what we’ll be seeing.The newest rumor is in regard to the next PlayStation’s ability to stream games. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that “Sony Corp. is planning to offer technology to stream games to its next videogame console,” according to its own sources.The new technology, to be unveiled Wednesday along with the new console, will allow users to play games delivered over the Internet, these people said. The streaming service, they added, is designed to use current PlayStation 3 titles on the new console; the new device is also expected to play new games stored on optical discs.As WSJ points out, such a move on Sony’s part would be unsurprising. Even when it was drowning in red ink, it still took a massive risk when it bought streaming service Gaikai for $380 million. There is absolutely no doubt that, with an investment that significant at such a difficult time for Sony, Gaikai's technology will be poised to play an important role in Sony’s future.Streaming games to PlayStation 4 (and perhaps other Sony devices) would be significant, giving gamers access to a wide array of titles that they never had to purchase outright. This could suggest that Sony may have a game rental-like service on its next PlayStation, or perhaps even a new subscription service that would give gamers access to a library of offerings. At this point, everything remains speculative.We've reached out to Sony for official comment and will update when we hear back. In the meantime, catch up on all of the pertinent PlayStation 4 news and rumors, including (but not limited to) information on PS4's controller, word of a new LittleBigPlanet and the possibility of Killzone 4 being a launch title.Colin Moriarty is an IGN PlayStation editor. You can follow him on Twitter and IGN and learn just how sad the life of a New York Islanders and New York Jets fan can be.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Bioshock Infinite - 2nd Mockumentary

What is "Songbird"?

Is this game anticipated enough that it should have its own "Official" thread?

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Still years behind everyone because I can't stand buying a game new. On the advice in here I picked up a previously owned copy of Red Dead Redemption over the weekend. It's fully updated so the zombie story is there too but I haven't played it yet. I must say that I am enjoying it a lot. And it's far and away better than the last few GTA's. Not as good as Vice City, but it's good. Haven't done that much yet ( just saved the farmer chick from being hanged) but it's solid. Enjoying the poker game inside the game. Decent AI with it too, although once you get a fairly large stack it's pretty easy to beat them down with little effort.

 

[joetrow]

Crusader Kings II and all its DLCs are 75% off till the 21st on steam. I grabbed Railroad Tycoon 3 for $10 too. Both are awesome games.

 

[Pick]

Crusader Kings II and all its DLCs are 75% off till the 21st on steam. I grabbed Railroad Tycoon 3 for $10 too. Both are awesome games.

I downloaded Crusader Kings II demo. That game looks really complicated.

 

[NCCommish]

Still years behind everyone because I can't stand buying a game new. On the advice in here I picked up a previously owned copy of Red Dead Redemption over the weekend. It's fully updated so the zombie story is there too but I haven't played it yet. I must say that I am enjoying it a lot. And it's far and away better than the last few GTA's. Not as good as Vice City, but it's good. Haven't done that much yet ( just saved the farmer chick from being hanged) but it's solid. Enjoying the poker game inside the game. Decent AI with it too, although once you get a fairly large stack it's pretty easy to beat them down with little effort.

I liked Liars Dice a bit better personally. Great game though.

 

[NCCommish]

So I have played through to the part where I am trying to become a Big Daddy. I have a question. Once I become a Big Daddy is it permanent and can I still save Little Sisters as a Big Daddy?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

So I have played through to the part where I am trying to become a Big Daddy. I have a question. Once I become a Big Daddy is it permanent and can I still save Little Sisters as a Big Daddy?

Yes, you can still save them. It's more like putting on a costume than it is actually becoming a BD.

 

[Worm]

Looks like the next gen info is really going to be ramping up.

PS4 controller pictures were leaked, and supposedly there's an event on the 20th that will give all the details of the PS4. I expect xbox news to follow not too long after.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looking for a recommendation for PC exclusives.Something in the RPG/Action RPG genre but that can not be found on the consoles. I am really enjoying Path of Exile and want to see if there are other games on the PC I might enjoy.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Looks like the next gen info is really going to be ramping up. PS4 controller pictures were leaked, and supposedly there's an event on the 20th that will give all the details of the PS4. I expect xbox news to follow not too long after.

read back through the thread if you want to see more info. We have been talking a lot about the specs, controllers and the possible blocking of used games in case you are interested.

 

[Worm]

Yeah I've been following along. I think those specific pics just came out though.

 

[NCCommish]

So I have played through to the part where I am trying to become a Big Daddy. I have a question. Once I become a Big Daddy is it permanent and can I still save Little Sisters as a Big Daddy?

Yes, you can still save them. It's more like putting on a costume than it is actually becoming a BD.

OK that makes sense, thanks.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yeah I've been following along. I think those specific pics just came out though.

They were released a few days ago. Ivan mentioned them. The sources say they are the proto types so the final design may slightly differ but the main items are all there.

 

[SlaX]

Looks like the next gen info is really going to be ramping up. PS4 controller pictures were leaked, and supposedly there's an event on the 20th that will give all the details of the PS4. I expect xbox news to follow not too long after.

read back through the thread if you want to see more info. We have been talking a lot about the specs, controllers and the possible blocking of used games in case you are interested.

A lot of speculation of whether that's going to be the final controller. It's a bit sloppy to be the final, if you ask me. We'll find out Wednesday.

 

[joetrow]

Crusader Kings II and all its DLCs are 75% off till the 21st on steam. I grabbed Railroad Tycoon 3 for $10 too. Both are awesome games.

I downloaded Crusader Kings II demo. That game looks really complicated.

There is definitely a learning curve with the Paradox titles but after you get the hang of one of them they all become more intuitive. Well worth the time it takes to figure it out IMO.