Four Player Co-Op 09.02.09: GTA, GTA And The Sims, Streets Of Fury, Price Cuts, More

Posted by John De Large on 09.02.2009

Would you play GTA on your iPhone? How about a GTA/Sims mash-up? Does Streets of Fury's style make you want to buy this game? And wouldn't you like to pay less for games? 411 staffers sound off on these topics and more!

John De Large has joined the game.
Drew Robbins has joined the game.
Derek Robbins has joined the game.
Ramon Aranda has joined the game.

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1. GTA is set to appear on mobile Apple products. What are the chances anyone is going to play this?

John De Large

I don't have an iPhone, but if I did, I'd be playing that fancy sniping/sharpshooting game all the time. Moreover, I don't even like GTA that much when it's on a console, why would I play it on a handheld with compromised gamplay and graphics?

Drew Robbins

iPhone gaming tends to be designed for short bursts of fun between tasks. Grand Theft Auto, however, is an entirely different beast. I couldn't play GTA for ten minutes and be satisfied, making the entire thing completely contradictory to the platform's purpose. I'm sure people will play GTA on the iPhone - but it seems highly likely that they won't like the experience.

Derek Robbins

Well, iPhone games seem to be quite the trend. I personally don't play them because I can find better gaming experiences elsewhere, but for a casual gamer the platform seems like an excellent choice. GTA is one of the most popular brands in the video game industry, a brand that people will play regardless of what console it is on. I suspect that simply being on the the iPhone will be enough to sell copies for Rockstar. GTA is a license to print money, the iPhone is a license to print money...so I'm guessing they have discovered some brand of double money. Yeah, that makes sense.

Ramon Aranda

Very good. Look mobile gaming is on the rise, specifically on the iPhone and with Rockstar proving they can do right by GTA on a handheld, fans will most definitely want to give it a shot.

Hopefully Rockstar decides to pump out a demo of the game as well for those unsure if the series will translate well on their phone.

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2. Speaking of GTA, Sam Pow (who is a freaking genius) has suggested a SIMS/GTA mash-up. Now THAT sounds like fun!

John De Large

My low opinion of GTA hasn't changed since the last question, but I'd give this a whirl. Right click to carjack and and left click to kill a hooker? It's worth a shot.

Drew Robbins

Not particularly, the match-up seems interesting but I'm not sure that is in a good way. Me and the Sims haven't seen eye to eye in recent years, and mixing it with my beloved GTA probably wouldn't help matters. It isn't a peanut butter and chocolate scenario here, and it definitely isn't something I see myself ever wanting to play.

Derek Robbins

I guess it depends on how things are pulled off. I wouldn't want a Sims game where your sims can go commit crimes and what not. I want to be able to control that stuff. If they were to make it so, like, you can create a crime family of sorts, customize their attributes, watch them live together (zanily!), and then have the ability to choose one to complete missions and stuff, now that I could get behind. The thing is, I'm not exactly a fan of the Sims. I find the games to be boring, and honestly, a waste of my time. I would say that I dislike having no real control of what my avatars do, but then one of you would point out how I love RPGs...so I'll just let that be.

Ramon Aranda

In a nutshell, I'd be all for it. I'm not the biggest fan of the Sims as I just can't seem to get into it much but if you threw in a little GTA spice to the mix, my outlook would easily spike.

I mean, who wouldn't want some hot coffee or the chance to beat the living crap out of someone for their vehicle with the simple click of a mouse?

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3. Streets of Fury looks bad enough that Tim and Eric (Awesome Show, Great Job) could've made it, yet you really want to play this game.

John De Large

I love Tim and Eric actually, that's what this game reminds me of, plus who can say no to a sidescrolling beat 'em up? Do want!

Drew Robbins

Streets of Fury looks bad? What game are you talking about! Mixing two things that are undeniably awesome (FMV and Beat-em-up), Streets of Fury looks to be the first game I've ever been interested in on the XBL Community games service. Even if the gameplay sucks, like it probably does, it certainly looks like it pertains to the "so bad its good" category, much like another FMV based game...anyone care to guess at what I'm referring to?

Derek Robbins

Well obviously this is the spiritual succesor to Target Terror. Mark had been salivating about that game for the longest time, and hell, he probably still is. So of course I'm excited for the chance to give this game a whirl. After all, people are allowed to have bad movie nights, where they get around and celebrate the art of watching bad movies. What's to say that we can't have a bad video game night? I for one want to celebrate everything that's wrong with gaming out there and spend one night glorifying it. And no, we're not just going to hook up a Wii and go "hog wild".

Ramon Aranda

I want absolutely no part of this game. I'd rather walk into a courtroom then walk down those streets (of fury). (JDL: Oh snap! Phoenix Wright burn!)

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4. With all these consoles getting a price cut, you wish that A) handheld devices were getting a price cut too and B) that games would go back to being $50 at most.

John De Large

A) Yes and I specifically wish the older PSP's were cheaper so I could have a PSP to put custom firmware on! B) I'll do one better and say that I wish games still cost $40 max like in the PS1 days. Le sigh.

Drew Robbins

The last generation was a real sweet spot for my wallet. $50 never seemed like much of a raw deal for the great experiences I was getting. Adding $10 onto the usual price really dampened my enthusiasm. I rarely ever go out to the store and buy a game full price without using some sort of trade-in bollocks. As for portables, I suppose that some of them can use a cut. The normal PSP and DS Lite are in a good place right now, but the DSi and PSP Go especially could use a little bit of slashing in the price department.

Derek Robbins

Well, the PSP has received a couple of price cuts hasn't it? Honestly, I think portable systems right now are at a fair price. An argument could be made that the best system of this current generation is the Nintendo DS, and you can pick one up for cheaper than any of the other consoles. Yes, graphically speaking the system should be cheaper...but from an enjoyment standpoint, honestly, the prices are fair and I don't have any complaints. Now as for game prices being cheaper...damn right I want that. Sorry, I have a lot of hang-ups about paying $60 for a game that will last be 8 hours. At the very least, reduce prices to where they were last generation. That $10 hike is kind of annoying. I'm not getting $10 more worth of playtime, or even quality, so why should I pay 10 more dollars? So yeah, portable prices: fine. Game prices?: Not so much.

Ramon Aranda

I'd be for both of those options. Handheld systems in my opinion should be kept under $100. Yeah I know the DS and the PSP can do all sorts of things but it's not easy on the consumer to fork over that kind of cash. Is it worth it? Well I do love my DS, but still, prices should really come down even though sales are still pretty good.

As for games in general, would it hurt to keep them at $49.99? I know Wii titles are $49.99, how about if Xbox 360 and PS3 games stayed that price too? It makes plenty of people sit on their wallets until they see them drop in price or re-released.

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BONUS! Do you prefer Marvel or DC? And just what are your thoughts on Disney's acquisition of Marvel?

John De Large

Marvel is awesome and DC is....ehh, as Batman in the comics is just kind of a big emo kid with melodramatic lines (Bruce Wayne, that is, I've no knowledge of Dick Grayson Batman) and Supes is boring. Spiderman is a way cooler hero, although I'm still butthurt over One More Day/Brand New Day, but I'm sure they'll retcon that too and all will be well. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, Marvel all the way! As for Marvel getting snapped up by Disney, good for Disney! I go to Disney every year and I'm sure us frequent Disney-go-ers will at least get a thrill ride or two out of this acquisition. I mean, I love the teacup ride, but there's only so many times I can tolerate spinning in a circle until I'm dizzy.

Drew Robbins

Comic books in their original format aren't my cup of tea, so I'll be basing this answer solely on movies. Even then, my answer is going to be right down the middle, with no preference for either company. The only four superhero movie franchises I've really been able to get into are Batman, Superman, Spiderman, and Ironman, two apiece for the warring companies. Batman is my favorite of the bunch, but Spiderman and Ironman are way ahead of Superman in my books so I can't give DC the advantage here. As for Disney buying Marvel? It's...interesting alright. My brother broke the news and it took me awhile to mull it over in my mind. On one hand, Disney isn't the magical company that they once were. On the other hand, could we perhaps see some Marvel superheroes in the next Kingdom Hearts? Do want!

Derek Robbins

Marvel and it's not even close. I think I prefer almost all of Marvel's heroes over DCs, and I think their story telling ability is superior. Plus, has Marvel ever fought against Mortal Kombat? No. That pretty much proves that they are the superior brand. Here's hoping that this crazy Disney buy-out allows Marvel to have a presence in Kingdom Hearts III. Admit it, you would "mark" if Wolverine could team up with Sora.

Ah, but to the heart of the matter...I really like the move. People are probably going to worry because "Oh no, Disney is kiddy, they suck"...but that really isn't true at all! Disney not only has money, which is great for people working at Marvel, but they have world class animators and also the ability to spin yarns of great quality. I mean, shit, you could make a mighty fine ball of yarn out of some of Disney's classics. Disney is also very conscious as to profit. I really don't see them changing Marvel a load, as to alienate the fans. My prediction right now: The only thing you'll really notice is a Disney logo on your Marvel comics. That's it. Oh, also Wolverine being in Kingdom Hearts 3. I'm just super saiyan.

Ramon Aranda

Marvel. Their heroes are just more appealing to me. Also, regarding the second part of the question, I really couldn't care less!

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DOUBLE BONUS! Which video game related personality(ies) do you enjoy most? (AVGN, Yahtzee Croshaw, the Burch siblings, Penny Arcade guys, Blistered Thumbs team, etcetera) In contrast which personality do you like least or find most over-rated?

John De Large

I like all of those guys for different reasons (and yes, I can turn a blind eye to the CAD abortion dealie), but more than anything I do like the Nerd the most, as he sometimes provides critical reviews of movies, makes bitchin' top 10 lists and doesn't afraid of anything. I can't really bring myself to say anything bad about Penny Arcade, especially since they've semi-inspired my webcomic, Cavalcade of Whimsy but I get frustrated whenever they make an inaccesible joke (which I recognize is a problem with my own comic when I'm not writing the jokes) that I don't get. Really, Penny Arcade? Another D&D joke? I'm sure it's funny to you, but I don't know thing one about tabletop gaming. All in all, all of these guys rule, but I wish PA would stop it with the D&D jokes or provide some sort of reference guide to understanding them!

Drew Robbins

At the moment I'll say that its a tie between Yahtzee and Penny Arcade. PA has always been there for me over the years, and even though they seem to be on a bit of a slump I can't stay mad at those guys. Plus, PAX is a beast, and has actually managed to topple E3 in the contest for which Expo I'd most like to attend. Yahtzee is just hilarious, and has made Wednesday a great day to come home and be greeted by his amusing reviews on today's latest and not so greatest. My least favorite is also a tie (yeah I'm indecisive, sue me) between new contender VG Cats and old hand Ctrl Alt Delete. CAD's crimes are well documented, but VG Cats has recently emerged as something I absolutely cannot stand. What once was a decently amusing comic seems to have been turned into a whining rant by someone so jaded that he thinks gaming should only be for the hardcore and not for the "casuals." Also, he does a freaking Pokemon comic every two weeks to go alongside his Pokemon spin-off based on the original games. Branch out a little, eh?

Derek Robbins

My favorite personalities have got to be the Penny-Arcade guys. I have proclaimed Yahtzee as the "funniest guy on the internet" before, but...that doesn't mean he's my favorite. You see, Mike and Jerry - or Gabe and Tycho - are two of the best people on the planet by the sounds of it. They give back, in droves, to the community, they are highly accessible and don't use their pedistals in a way that makes them seem "better" than the common man...and they put out the ONE good video game comic (though I will hear arguments for Fanboys) three times a week. Honestly, these are the most relevant gamers on the planet and I respect them.

On a personal note, I have been reading Penny-Arcade since I was in middle school. As a senior in college, it is safe to say that the comic has been a large part of my "growing experience." It may devolve into stupid humor every once in a while, but I know that three days a week, every week, I am going to be entertained. You cannot put a price on that.

Ramon Aranda

The ones I enjoy the most are the 411Games crew! (STUDIO AUDIENCE: Awwwwww!!!)

Overrated? The guy from Destructoid who wears that hideous helmet/mask. Dude, you look stupid, take that shit off already! He's like the Shockmaster of the gaming industry.

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UNTIL NEXT TIME....

Here's some Nostalgia Chick! Admit it, you'd want a hot nerdy chick salivating all over your junk.


Hey wait! I got one more thing for you! Watch this video, then go vote for it at Protect Your Butterfinger Bar! All you need to vote is a Yahoo ID! If you're wondering why I'm all for this video, that's because it was done by a really cool guy named Tim (the "robot mime"), who I had the pleasure of learning from while I took a really good Improv class last year. I'm not crazy about Butterfingers, but I'm all about funny videos and dudes getting owned by mimes in the street.

LoL @ 0:37


Okay, that's it for me. Peace!