B3yond the Report 06.23.09
Posted by Drew Robbins on 06.23.2009
In the latest edition of B3yond the Report, 411's Drew Robbins discusses Splinter Cell: Conviction never coming to the PS3, Activision's threat to halt its support of the PS3, Fat Princess getting delayed, the PS3 version of Bionic Commando, MAG Beta coming this summer, the One Man Water Cooler and much more!
Hello and welcome to a very special edition of B3yond the Report, with special guest host and supreme overlord of all things awesome, Drew Robbins. B3yond readers, you might remember me from a few weeks ago when I ripped pretty much everything in my path, nothing was sacred. God of War III? Check. Sony? Check. But I haven't truly got the chance to address my criticisms from that week, so I'll take this opportunity to clear a few things up. First, my only "next-gen" consoles are a PS3 and a Wii, so being an "Xbot" as you call it would be a foolish proposition. Another thing, I don't hate God of War III, I'm merely apathetic towards it, as the game appears to be nothing but a high-res God of War II. And while I loved God of War II, I'd like to see at least a little change to the formula.
There you go, my defense, and now…its time to go B3yond the Report!
B3yond the News of the Week~!
Activision Threatens to Abandon Sony
One common issue that will seemingly never go away, despite the fact that it is completely illogical for Sony, is a price drop for the PS3. Yes, I'm aware that $400 is a lot of money, but Sony dropping the price would be a horrible business decision on their part, as they would start to lose even more money. This doesn't seem to phase Activision's Bobby Kotick, who said the following in an interview with The Times online.
"I'm getting concerned about Sony; the PlayStation 3 is losing a bit of momentum and they don't make it easy for me to support the platform. It's expensive to develop for the console, and the Wii and the Xbox are just selling better. Games generate a better return on invested capital on the Xbox than on the PlayStation. They have to cut the price, because if they don't, the attach rates [the number of games each console owner buys] are likely to slow. If we are being realistic, we might have to stop supporting Sony. When we look at 2010 and 2011, we might want to consider if we support the console — and the PSP [portable] too."
A logical complaint, I suppose, but to make a threat like this is really kind of silly. Honestly, how often do you see the PS3 versions of Activision games crack the top of the NPD sales? Activision is hardly doing anything to help Sony along, and I highly doubt that Sony would struggle with the loss of an infinite number of sequels to Call of Duty and Guitar Hero. Not only that, but their exclusives line-up for this year and the next? Looking pretty damn impressive, if you ask me. This was the point made by spokesman Patrick Seybold.
"Playstation has tremendous momentum coming out of E3, and we are seeing positive growth with more than 350 titles slated to hit across all our platforms, including many anticipated games from our publishing partners. We enjoy healthy business relationships with and greatly value our publishing partners and are working closely with them to deliver the best entertainment experience."
In laymen's terms, Sony is saying they don't need Activision. In the words of one Michael Kelso…"BURN!"
Being one of the first PSN titles in quite a while that I've actively anticipated, it would be a fair statement to say that I'm very disappointed in the delay of Fat Princess. Here I thought I was but a week away from slaughtering the vile Red Team and capturing their morbidly obese princess. Oh, Sony, why do you do this to me?
Though the game was schedule to be out next week, its release is now being postponed to "some time this Summer."
I think I speak for all PS3 owners when I say hurry up and release already Fat Princess!
Splinter Cell Conviction Never To Grace the PS3
Coming out of E3, in between fits of praise for Scribblenauts, another game that lapped up its positive reception was Splinter Cell: Conviction. The 360 and PC title won many E3 awards, even winning Best of Show from Kotaku. Unfortunately, the game wasn't announced for the PS3, and now more bad news has come our way. It will never come to the PS3. This is what Ubisoft had to say regarding Conviction during a Q&A session.
"Splinter Cell: Conviction is a true Microsoft exclusive title and there are no plans to have Splinter Cell Conviction on other platforms. There are several reasons behind this choice.
First of all, Splinter Cell games are historically linked with Microsoft platforms. The first Splinter Cell on the original Xbox was one of the first games to fully exploit the console's technical possibilities. At that time, Microsoft really believed in the game potential and provided strong support to promote it. So, there is a "link of heart" between the franchise and the platform. Some games are like this (think of Final Fantasy for instance).
The second reason behind this choice is purely linked to production. Having a single target platform means that we can optimize the game even further, because we only have one type of - console - hardware to support."
I can agree with part of this statement, for the most part, the Splinter Cell franchise was a primarily Xbox experience. You never heard about people playing Chaos Theory over PSN, it was always about Xbox Live and how great of an experience it was.
One funny thing about this statement, which I'm sure many of you have caught, is after referring to a special link between franchise and platform, they referred to Final Fantasy. Yes, Final Fantasy, you know, the game which started out with Nintendo, jumped over to Sony, and is now looking like it could be transitioning over to Microsoft? Not exactly the best choice of franchise.
Trophies Headed to PS3 Bionic Commando At Long Last
This isn't exactly a huge news story for most of you, but for me this is huge. When Bionic Commando ReArmed came out, I was promised trophies, and that was one of the reasons I invested in the game. Of course, I enjoyed the game, but I held out on my second playthrough until the trophies came out, and I got quite a bit of a longer wait for that then I had originally expected.
Bionic Commando came out in August, I believe, and almost a full year later we are finally getting the update I was promised. Also promised were various tweaks to the difficulty, making the easy and normal modes a bit easier. The tweaks make it so, akin to Prince of Persia, you will return to the last solid piece of land you touched each time you die. So, if you were stuck on the difficult grappling sections, I guess its tough luck for you!
MAG Beta Beginning This Summer?
MAG, also known as the game most in need of a name change, looked pretty good coming out of E3. Most critical reception was on the positive side, and the 256 Player multiplayer looked to be well controlled and not the mess many expected it to be.
So when will we get our hands on it? Rumor has it that the beta could be starting as early as this summer. Nothing is confirmed, as this is just a rumor, but for official confirmation keep an eye on MAG's official website.
A developer diary discussing MAG, one of Sony's most anticipated titles. And I'll say it once more, please, for the sake of all that is good, change the name!
Considering I'm already prepared to hand Uncharted 2 my Game of the Year award, I figured this article could use some old footage from E3 of what looks like it could be the best game of this generation. This is a rooftop battle where Nathan Drake shows why Uncharted is so much better than Metal Gear Solid 4.
This is Bayonetta…a game I know almost nothing about, but I've heard tons of good things, so enjoy this footage of, what the hell, is that a woman jumping around on a falling clock as she shoots bats?
A preview of the changes coming to Fight Night Round 4, which should be out by the time you are reading this column. Looks pretty good, but I'm hooked on UFC Undisputed 2009 right now so we'll see if I end up trying this game.
The One Man Water Cooler~!
This week's water cooler is going to be about the most important thing that has ever happened, and it happened this past Tuesday. Someone finally released a good Ghostbusters game. Anybody who has seen the 80's classics knew instantly that the movie was perfect for a video game adaptation, but for years we were treated to absolute garbage, such as the infamous Ghostbusters for the NES and C64.
So what makes this game so great and faithful to the Ghostbusters franchise? You could easily point to the gameplay, to the story, or perhaps even to the inclusion of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, but these aren't the true heroes of Ghostbusters. No, my friends, the hero is physics. The physics in Ghostbusters win, pure and simple.
In the first movie, when they were capturing Slimer in the ballroom, what happened? That place was ripped to shreds. This happened any time they captured a ghost. And the game does this perfectly. Every time you reach a confrontation with a group of ghosts, the room around you is completely wrecked. How lame would it have been if they had done this and each room remained perfectly intact after you went ballistic with your Proton Pack?
What really bugs me is how none of the reviews have really mentioned it. Most sites only cite the gameplay and story as reasons this is a great entry into the franchise, which are perfectly valid reasons, but the physics make this game.
Thus ends my return to B3yond the Report. For those wondering, Shaqy, much like Mark, had to take a break. Well, that isn't entirely true. He kept asking me how his ass tastes so I just gave up and banished him from the column for the week.
To contact me, you can reach me at drew_robbins@hotmail.com. If you are interesting in beating the crap out of me, I'm up for any challenges on UFC Undisputed 2009 or Street Fighter IV (and even some Ghostbusters action, I need to try that out), my PSN ID is Kikind.
I call bullshit on COD and Guitar Hero not being huge losses to the PS3. Like them or not, they make up the top music and FPS multi-platform titles for consoles right now.
Although I will say that Sony's lineup is looking better by the day.
Posted By: spacefight (Guest) on June 23, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Thanks for covering for me Drew. I must say I'm a little disapointed in the lack of cheap shots towards yours truly but oh well.
With that said I plan to be back next week, but I reserve the right to postpone for one more week, depending on how long it takes me to rip one of the walls off in my room to make sure there's no significant water damage.
Posted By: The Salms (Registered) on June 23, 2009 at 12:39 AM
"Honestly, how often do you see the PS3 versions of Activision games crack the top of the NPD sales?"
It was kind of funny that you followed that up by mentioning CoD and GH, two games that do sell strong numbers on the PS3. CoD's PS3 numbers destroy every other FPS on the platform, Killzone 2 included, so how can you not want something that popular being released on the PS3?
I think Activision is just angling for a better royalty deal, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them 'debut' new IP on the 360 first in the future if they don't get some form of sweetened deal.
Then again, perhaps they are legitimately upset that Sony keeps pushing off a price drop because, after all, having fewer PS3s in homes DOES affect how many games Activision can sell on the console.
Posted By: Rod Oracheski (Registered) on June 23, 2009 at 12:52 AM
I own both a PS3 and 360 but I have a soft spot for Sony HOWEVER if Activision stopped making games for PS3 it would be the nail in the coffin for the PS3.
Face it, Call of Duty has some how become this console generations Grand Theft Auto - The game everyone is playing or knows about from the casual to the hardcore and a console without Modern Warfare 3 or whatever is a huge loss.
Posted By: Guest#5891 (Guest) on June 23, 2009 at 03:05 AM
I don't own any Activision games and I certainly wouldn't miss them.
Bobby made a threat and Sony called him on it. Now he just looks like idiot.
Sony has a great line up this year which should boost hardware sales even without a price drop. They are already staying almost level in hardware sales with MS despite costing a lot more.
The problem is, if Sony does announce a price drop in September at TGS then all of the people will come out of the woodwork to say that Sony dropped the price because of what they said.
Me, I'm just excited by the games coming out in the next 12 months. Anyone holding out for a price drop is just missing out on the games they could be playing now.
Posted By: Squishy (Guest) on June 23, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Ubisoft is SO full of shit! No on played Chaos Theory on the Playstation? Playstation is what I've played ALL the titles on! FUCK YOU, UBISOFT!
Posted By: swoltz (Guest) on June 23, 2009 at 11:31 AM
My point about Activision was that those aren't the games that are going to make people buy a PS3, which is Sony's big problem. If a new gamer is going to buy a console to play Call of Duty or Guitar Hero, odds are that console is going to be a 360. Call of Duty has practically become synonymous with the Xbox Live experience!
The system needs to focus on the first-party experiences that are unique only to the PS3, like MGS 4 and Uncharted 2. Games like Killzone didn't particularly help because it was just a FPS, and there are plenty of those on 360, same goes for Resistance.
Posted By: Drew Robbins (Registered) on June 23, 2009 at 11:53 AM
"I highly doubt that Sony would struggle with the loss of an infinite number of sequels to Call of Duty and Guitar Hero"
At the very least Sony has to keep their multi-platform titles, especially for really popular games. It might not make someone buy the PS3, but not having them might make someone not buy a PS3.
Posted By: Diavo (Guest) on June 23, 2009 at 12:17 PM
I'm tempted to believe that this is not entirely a bluff on Activision's part. There is almost no way a company spokesman would be allowed to keep his job or be forced to make a retraction after making those remarks if there had not already been some serious talk of dropping Sony internally. Sony should probably tread very carefully with this, as COD and GH becoming unavailable for their system would be crippling.
Posted By: Jed Crumpett (Guest) on June 23, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Is it me or does Sam Fisher look like Harvey Dent with a beard?
Posted By: Mr. Ramon (Registered) on June 23, 2009 at 01:43 PM
Call of Duty has practically become synonymous with the Xbox Live experience!
Good point, but not having ANY version of COD on their system would be a huge, huge blow.
Posted By: Jake G (Guest) on June 23, 2009 at 02:25 PM
"Me, I'm just excited by the games coming out in the next 12 months. Anyone holding out for a price drop is just missing out on the games they could be playing now."
Guess you've never heard the saying "good things come to those who wait"
I'm cool with Sony taking their time because the longer they wait the cheaper the games become. I can take that extra $100 or whatever and buy game(s) with the console and if the rumors are true about a slimmer version I'll keep waiting, so until then my PS2 and 360 will keep my mind off owning a PS3.
Posted By: Guest#3024 (Guest) on June 23, 2009 at 04:11 PM
At the very least Sony has to keep their multi-platform titles, especially for really popular games. It might not make someone buy the PS3, but not having them might make someone not buy a PS3.
Posted By: Diavo
Exactly, it's kind of like EA sports games, Even though I don't play Madden if I heard they were going to not support a certain system I would avoid it like the plague because I'd know a whole lots of casuals gamers would and we all know the more popular system gets the better games.
Oh and I don't consider the Wii a console, just a toy.
Posted By: Guest#0058 (Guest) on June 24, 2009 at 05:34 AM
Drew,
Trolls should be ignored. Do not feed the troll....
Posted By: David (Guest) on June 24, 2009 at 09:07 AM
I wouldn't say they are trolls since they actually do have valid points.
Posted By: Drew Robbins (Registered) on June 24, 2009 at 02:12 PM
I guess that's what killed the Dreamcast... EA refusing to make their sports games for it. That was actually smart in my opinion, since that fired Sega to go "Fuck you EA, we'll make our OWN sports games, and they'll be better than yours!" And in spite of the fact that in my opinion they WERE (especially their NFL games), name recognition means EVERYTHING these days, more so than it did back in 1999. One could make the absolute best fighting game EVER for example, but if it isn't called Street Fighter or Tekken, no one will buy it.
As far as Activision goes, I think it's a HUGE blow if they no longer make PS3 games. There's almost ZERO games even coming out the week that Modern Warfare 2 is, because everyone else knows that's going to blow everything out of the water sales wise (and I can admit that knowing I don't like the series at all).
Oh Guest #0058, the Wii's NOT a console, eh? Too bad that "toy" is you know, WINNING the current console generation despite having virtually the entire online gaming community collectively shitting on it. Is that what makes everyone hate the thing so much? That it's succeeding in spite of all the hate it gets (WAY more than the 360 and PS3 get COMBINED?) Trust me, the reason why they went this route with the Wii is because they tried to compete with the Gamecube the old fashioned way, and aside from a few games, they got KILLED last generation, which is why they changed their approach. Trust me, Microsoft and Sony would not be even considering making motion controllers if the Wii failed.
Posted By: Shaukat (Guest) on June 24, 2009 at 06:15 PM
They are trolls because their favoritism is as clear as day. You never notice them getting this hyper critical about Microsoft. If anything, they should be hype critical again Nintendo. I mean, they are the company that released a system that is WAYYYYYYYY ahead of the 360. I guess there is a difference between being a troll and being a SMART troll.
Posted By: David (Guest) on June 24, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Come on, Baskin Robbins - anyone who says something David doesn't like, particularly if he can't refute it, is a troll.
Posted By: Rod Oracheski (Registered) on June 25, 2009 at 04:57 PM
Well, if the shoe fits....
Posted By: David (Guest) on June 26, 2009 at 12:20 AM
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