CAGcast #226: Amazballs

CheapyD

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[preview][IMG-L=5838]15060[/IMG-L]The gang talks 3DS, PSP2, Two Worlds II, Xbox 360 2011 exclusives and so much more!

[podcast]135[/podcast]
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Show Linkage/Notes (click the button below to expand):
 
I'd be interested in a Twin Stick code. I've been playing a lot of indie games on my 360 lately (including Epic Dungeon).

And that 1000 Spikes game is hard. I am stuck on level 1-5.
 
Too bad Ship didn't play the first Two Worlds game so we could get a direct comparision about the technical improvements. The first game had some of the most godawful character models, stiff n64-era conversation animations, and bad, bad voice acting and dialog. (Just say "forsooth" a lot.) Framerate seemed to worsen deeper into the story so by the end of the game, I noticed there would be a pause before every single killing blow so the game could load the death animation. I knew when the game stalled I either killed my enemy or had just froze my Xbox... it was exciting suspense each time!

Of course it's "okay" that the 3DS is priced at $250. Just like when Microsoft raised the price of Xbox Live, Nintendo just looked at what Sony was getting away with at that price point. PSP Go or 3DS... no contest. Oh, wait, sorry, the Sony bashing was last episode.
 
Good show! Seemed to be more fun and less serious than normal.

For people that don't know what Wombat is talking about, here is the Clifford kid before the wheelchair:
[IMG-C=144]20643[/IMG-C]

And after:
[IMG-C=144]20644[/IMG-C]

I have read the same book to all 4 of my kids and wondered the same thing.

(Images grabbed from youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeP9AMOPfJw )
 
The problem with the 3DS price point is simple: consumers see 3D as a gimmick and are not ready to pay a $80 premium over the DSi launch price for it. The 3DS may have other new features, but it is 3D that is used as the selling point, and nobody is paying that much just to add 3D.

Edit: Continuing the argument I think it's safe to say that accelerometers and an analog stick add no more than $40 worth of value (the cost of a wiimote), but probably add less since the DS already has the most versatile control options of any handheld ever. This means that customers are being asked to shell out ~$40 (or 20%) more for 3D. If you go by current price rather than launch price this grows to $60 or 30%. Given the fact that 3D technology has come and gone over the years, but never risen above fad status, I think consumers are right to balk at that kind kind of price premium.
 
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"you know me, everytime I get to a frustrating part in a game, I never want to play it again" -cheapyd

You're a pussy. What kind of gamer are you? As soon as you die, or something doesn't go your way you turn it off and move on to the next game. Grow some balls you fat bitch.
 
Hey, I'd like to win something! Although everytime I think of the Indie Xbox Live, I think of that push-out-the-baby game with avatar support. Gross.

I'd really like to play DCU, but betting against WoW for continued support after initial launch seems like a bad move. Also, I like the Marvel superheros much more - where's the Marvel MMO?
 
Wombat put into words what I really couldn't. I've had my same old 20GB Xbox 360 (non-HDMI) since 2006 and I've definitely got my money out of it, and I still use it on a daily basis. However, I'm starting to get that itch to buy a new console. I just got my first high-def TV for X-mas and I am very interested in Blu-Ray. Furthermore, I'd like to play the Uncharted games, and revisit some of my favorite games from the PS2 days (Sly Cooper and Ico hopefully).

The price still isn't where I'd like it to be, I think once it hits $250 I'll jump on it...
 
Wombat, congrats on finishing Dragon Age! I played it through once when it first came out and was in a big hurry. I didn't do many of the side quests, I didn't understand how important mages were, and basically, when I got to the end, I got creamed. So a few months later I went back and did it right, played a mage, did every freakin' side quest, and then cruised through the end. Awesome. I haven't picked up any DLC, because I heard one piece of DLC was crappy. What should I download and play before DAII?
 
Shipwreck, Wombat, Cheapy:

Another thing that PS3 has going for it is the collective power of all these releases. In addition to the multi-platform goodness, we have a BOATLOAD of exclusives. Even if the podcast didn't identify a single system-selling exclusive for PS3 in the controversial show last week, the weight of SO MANY exclusives is in and of itself a great reason to get a PS3, whether it's your first console or something new after half a decade with an xbox.

I got back into gaming in December 2009 after being out of it for many years. I chose to get a PS3 because the games I wanted to play were either multi-platform (Dragon Age, Assassin's Creed II, Batman: Arkham Asylum) or PS3 exclusives (Uncharted I and II, Infamous). The one game that I wanted but couldn't get, Mass Effect II, well, I'm playing it now on PS3.
 
Wombat, that Clifford book must've been an updated politically-correct revision. I've read my library's old copy of it to my niece and the boy with the St. Bernard was just fine on the last page. Since a lot of classic kids books were from the 50s, it's usually white kid after white kid. I've seen new edtions that re-colored (no pun intended) the kids. Sounds like Sabrina's book had a lazy editor that didn't check to see if the kid was seen elsewhere in the story.
 
[quote name='blacksanta87']"you know me, everytime I get to a frustrating part in a game, I never want to play it again" -cheapyd

You're a pussy. What kind of gamer are you? As soon as you die, or something doesn't go your way you turn it off and move on to the next game. Grow some balls you fat bitch.[/QUOTE]

There's nothing cooler than an Internet tough guy.
 
[quote name='blacksanta87']"you know me, everytime I get to a frustrating part in a game, I never want to play it again" -cheapyd

You're a pussy. What kind of gamer are you? As soon as you die, or something doesn't go your way you turn it off and move on to the next game. Grow some balls you fat bitch.[/QUOTE]

Is there something wrong with wanting to enjoy the game, not being frustrated the entire time? Cheapy's right, Dead Rising 2 is fairly frustrating, especially with the random placement and timing of the psychos.

By the way, Cheapy, the guy you fought was Ted and the tiger Snowflake, in the Yucatan Casino. I've got a tip to hopefully lower your frustration. Take a bunch of steaks into the battle, and whatever powerful weapons you like, preferrably some good guns. Stay on top of the slot machines, and throw one steak on the ground in front of Snowflake (assuming Snowflake is facing you). She'll eventually eat one; if you do this three or four times, you'll tame Snowflake and she won't attack you. Finish off Ted (he's a lightweight so long as you keep your health up), and take Snowflake back to the safe room. She's considered a gift for Katie, so it's good to take advantage of the extra PP. Hope that can help you out a bit.
 
Wombat was on his game this show.

Right about buying a PS3- those are the exact reasons I got one
Right about sounding like Kenny Rodgers

although I always assumed the kid in the wheelchair at the end of Clifford was just a different kid (I mean, he would've aged a little)
 
Hey CAG crew, you really should try DCU Online. It really is made for console gamers. Using completely unscientific techniques, I come to the conclusion that PC gamers juggle less games at a time than console gamers. I think that's why it is harder for console gamers to justify $15 per month is you are also playing an online shooter and the games du jour. PC MMO players seems to play their MMO and maybe a handful of other games. That is why PC MMO's generally have crafting and grinding so you will invest more time.

DCU is great for short term console style play. Most people are looking at reaching 30 in a fairly short amount of time as a negative. I think it is great. There are no crafting timesinks or grinding. I jump in, play for a bit and then jump out and still have fun along the way. It also allows you to try out multiple characters and still make progress. Hopefully they will live up to their promise of new content monthly. I am giving it three months.
 
Hey guys, as always, your show was amazballs! Seriously though, I always enjoy the show. This may not be true of your entire audience, but I really like when Wombat and Cheapy talk about their kids. I have a 3 year old and 1 year old girl, but none of my "parent friends" are nearly as into games as I am. Listening to you guys talk about the latest accomplishments of Tai (sp?) and Sabrina makes me feel a little more normal about my gaming habits as a parent. Keep up the good work!
 
Great show, but I have one major complaint. You didn't hit the hornet nest like you did with last weeks show. Disappointed!

Anyways, hope you get to feeling better Wombat. Cheapy, hope you stay above the sickness and both your wife and child get to feeling better. And Ship...well...everything seems to be okay for you so stay the same.
 
[quote name='meager'] Oh, wait, sorry, the Sony bashing was last episode.[/QUOTE]

Whoa, whoa, whoa.. you mean there was Sony bashing on the CAGcast?

That's a shocker!

And how long was the talk on 2011 360 exclusives? 5 minutes or so?

IWCnk.jpg


Funny how the platform that doesn't really have any 2011 exclusives gets the most attention. I wonder why that is...

Hilarious.
 
Dunno, I'm with Cheapy when it comes to frustrating games. My gaming time is limited and my backlog big enough that it takes all my willpower to even finish some games, let alone the ones that are too punishing. That said, I tend to make exceptions for retro-style games like Donkey Kong Country Returns.

One more thought on the PS3 and then I'll leave the conversation: A lot of people buy them because they're really good Blu-ray players. I dig the games, but the movie functionality was what pushed me over the edge—and helped my wife be okay with a $300 purchase. Thanks to the PS3 remote and optical audio out, it's also my player of choice for Netflix streaming.

I review DVDs and Blu-rays, and there has been a scary increase in discs that don't play correctly on all BR machines, whether because of weird file architecture or firmware incompatibility. In those cases, the PS3 seems to be the only one that works (nearly) every time.
 
In reference to the comment about racing games in general (not sure who said it, probably shipwreck) made after mentioning Forza 4:

Racing games are dead? Why are there so many of them then? Just this year we had F1 2010, NFS:HP, Blur, Split Second, Gran Turismo 5, NFS: Shift, and wait for it.... Kinect Joy Ride. Okay, so the last one was a joke but the rest of them were top shelf games. No, they don't sell as well as shooters but nothing does. All these games made money for their respective developers except maybe Blur.

As a 360 owner and sim racing fan Forza 4 is my most anticipated game of 2011 even if it doesn't get here until Q4. No, I don't believe it will cause any converts in the Playstation/Gran Turismo crowd and sell many consoles for Microsoft but due to the massive install base the game will sell very well. If the trend continues as it has from Forza 1 to 2 to 3, Forza 4 should sell well over 2 million copies next holiday season.
 
[quote name='shanezey']Wombat put into words what I really couldn't. I've had my same old 20GB Xbox 360 (non-HDMI) since 2006 and I've definitely got my money out of it, and I still use it on a daily basis. However, I'm starting to get that itch to buy a new console. I just got my first high-def TV for X-mas and I am very interested in Blu-Ray. Furthermore, I'd like to play the Uncharted games, and revisit some of my favorite games from the PS2 days (Sly Cooper and Ico hopefully).

The price still isn't where I'd like it to be, I think once it hits $250 I'll jump on it...[/QUOTE]

Dude if you end up getting a PS3, do not miss the Uncharted Series! Also if you wan't someone with a mic feel free to add me.
 
[quote name='demonhellcat']In reference to the comment about racing games in general (not sure who said it, probably shipwreck) made after mentioning Forza 4:

Racing games are dead? Why are there so many of them then? Just this year we had F1 2010, NFS:HP, Blur, Split Second, Gran Turismo 5, NFS: Shift, and wait for it.... Kinect Joy Ride. Okay, so the last one was a joke but the rest of them were top shelf games. No, they don't sell as well as shooters but nothing does. All these games made money for their respective developers except maybe Blur.

As a 360 owner and sim racing fan Forza 4 is my most anticipated game of 2011 even if it doesn't get here until Q4. No, I don't believe it will cause any converts in the Playstation/Gran Turismo crowd and sell many consoles for Microsoft but due to the massive install base the game will sell very well. If the trend continues as it has from Forza 1 to 2 to 3, Forza 4 should sell well over 2 million copies next holiday season.[/QUOTE]

Of the games you mentioned, F1 2010 (did anyone buy that in the US), NFS:HP(sold at most retailers for 35bucks in Nov & Dec), Blur(closed down the studio), Split Second (massive layoffs), Gran Turismo 5 (worst selling of the franchise?), NFS: Shift (not in stores yet).

I stand by my statement, racing, for the mainstream is dead.
 
Just a note about the comment regarding console-quality games during the PSP2 segment: I believe there are some gamers that could benefit from this. I used to travel for work, so I spent almost 70% of my week away from home, either on a train or in a hotel room. Occasionally I would bring my PS2 up with me, but it became a pain in the ass taking an additional piece of luggage with me everywhere. Something like a PSP2 would be great in that situation as one could get their fill games like Uncharted without having to lug their consoles around with them.
 
I thought this was an excellent show. Despite Wombat being ill, I believe Wombat was on the top of his game in this episode.

Another excellent show guys! :D
 
Two Worlds II is fucking atrocious just like the first one.

If you want to play a European RPG which is a bit janky but still good then play The Witcher. (or S.T.A.L.K.E.R. if ya swing that way)
 
[quote name='Wombat']Of the games you mentioned, F1 2010 (did anyone buy that in the US), NFS:HP(sold at most retailers for 35bucks in Nov & Dec), Blur(closed down the studio), Split Second (massive layoffs), Gran Turismo 5 (worst selling of the franchise?), NFS: Shift (not in stores yet).

I stand by my statement, racing, for the mainstream is dead.[/QUOTE]

Well played Wombat, well played. I guess you made your point that I am not in the mainstream and I guess that's okay with me as long as a decent console racing sim is made every 2-3 years. But I still stand by my statement that Forza 4 will sell well. Not COD numbers by any means, but well enough to justify it's existence plus some.

And I meant the first Shift but upon further research realize it was released in 2009... man I'm behind the times.

Despite my complaint and subsequent lackluster defense of my favorite game genre I enjoyed the show, keep em' coming.
 
[quote name='Wombat']Of the games you mentioned, F1 2010 (did anyone buy that in the US), NFS:HP(sold at most retailers for 35bucks in Nov & Dec), Blur(closed down the studio), Split Second (massive layoffs), Gran Turismo 5 (worst selling of the franchise?), NFS: Shift (not in stores yet).

I stand by my statement, racing, for the mainstream is dead.[/QUOTE]

I've never been a huge fan of racing games, but I think the Gran Turismo series is definitely an exception. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue sold 5.05 million copies and Gran Turismo 5 has sold 5.5 million copies since it's release in late November.
http://www.polyphony.co.jp/english/list.html
http://www.gtplanet.net/5-5-million-copies-of-gt5-sold-series-tops-60-million/

Gran Turismo is just one of those games that continue to sell over a long period of time and I think there's still plenty of time in GT5's life cycle to hit some truly impressive numbers. If Wikipedia is to be believed, then Gran Turismo 5 and Prologue are the PS3's #1 and #2 best selling games.

Other than Gran Turismo, I think you're probably right about the state of racing games right now. Well, Mario Kart is also an exception to the rule (Mario Kart Wii sold over 24 million copies).
 
[quote name='demonhellcat']Well played Wombat, well played. I guess you made your point that I am not in the mainstream and I guess that's okay with me as long as a decent console racing sim is made every 2-3 years. But I still stand by my statement that Forza 4 will sell well. Not COD numbers by any means, but well enough to justify it's existence plus some.

And I meant the first Shift but upon further research realize it was released in 2009... man I'm behind the times.

Despite my complaint and subsequent lackluster defense of my favorite game genre I enjoyed the show, keep em' coming.[/QUOTE]

I like racing games too, but it's not the genre it once was. Trust me they will still make racing games for you, even the 3DS will have Ridge Racer.
 
[quote name='Fell Open Ian']Two Worlds II is fucking atrocious just like the first one.

If you want to play a European RPG which is a bit janky but still good then play The Witcher. (or S.T.A.L.K.E.R. if ya swing that way)[/QUOTE]

First, I've played about thirty hours of Two Worlds II and it's not atrocious.

Second, The Witcher and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. are not available on consoles.

Third, I'm never going to buy a PC to play games.

Fourth, no really, never.
 
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