B3yond the Report 10.07.08

Posted by Mark Salmela on 10.07.2008

It’s an epic B3yond the Report written by the old guard. This week we’ve got news on Uncharted 2, Little Big Planet, SOCOM Confrontation, Bomberman Ultra, WipeOut HD, Resident Evil 5, what games we’ll see at TGS this year, whether or not PS2 backwards compatibility is coming back, new PS3 accessories, Tom Clancy’s EndWar, and more when you go Beyond the Report!

Ok, let's see if I still got it…

Ahem….

*clears throat*…

Ummm…..

F*ck Microsoft!

…

Yep, I still got it…






Welcome back everyone to another edition of B3yond the Report! With schools all across the nation celebrating homecoming week it's only fitting that yours truly takes back control of his column. I don't blame Derek for needing time off, as I remember how bothersome it was when I was writing the extremely long Metal Gear flashback columns as well as writing B3yond the Report. It feels pretty good to be back, as I must say I did miss writing B3yond the Report. Who knows, maybe I'll come back full time if things go the way I want them to *which they rarely do*.

But this column isn't about me; it's about that lovable Sony *don't you just wanna squeeze them?*. And this week promises to be one of the busiest weeks in gaming as everyone's currently in Tokyo getting ready for the Tokyo Game Show. While my crystal 8-ball is currently out of order I'm going to do my best to make some predictions as to what we'll see at the show this week, and who knows, maybe I'll actually be right for once!

Oh crystal 8-ball, will Sony unveil Team Ico's next game at TGS? "Ask again later." Screw you! Now let's get back to what I do best *or used to do best*….



Soon to be the best level in Little Big Planet, it's B3yond the News of the Week~!

Sony to invade the Tokyo Game Show



Well after being delayed a few weeks from last year it's finally time for the Tokyo Game Show, which many such as myself consider to be the second biggest news conference of the year behind E3. While Nintendo won't be at TGS, they pretty much had the equivalence of a TGS press conference as they announced all of their upcoming products such as the Nintendo DSi last week. Microsoft and Sony on the other hand will officially be a part of TGS, and I'm expecting some big things from Sony *I have no idea what Microsoft will do*.

Sony has already gotten the press guessing as they announced that at TGS that they will unveil 9 new PS3 titles. While one would hope that Team Ico's new game would be one of them I wouldn't be surprised if they held it off until it was near completion. Shadow of the Colossus was considered to be one of the best PS2 games of all time and many people such as myself can't wait to hear what they've got coming next. So what 9 games do I think they will unveil? Well, I'd expect at least 4 or 5 of them to be PSN titles. Sony's really been pushing the PSN lately and 9 new titles does seem like a lot, so I've got assume the PSN will be getting some of that love.

Uncharted 2 would also be an easy pick for a title to be announced, but then again I don't know how the Japanese took to the original Uncharted. I do think however that a Heavenly Sword 2 will be announced, although I'm not sure if it will be made by Ninja Theory. Also, ever since the cancellation of the Getaway for PS3 there are a couple of European teams that have had to have been working on something, so I expect to hear some new titles out of Sony Europe. And I actually have no idea how many Japanese teams Sony has, so I really have no idea what games could be coming from Sony Japan. As for American teams we still have Twisted Metal PS3 I guess to officially announce, although that's another game that the Japanese haven't exactly loved in the past. Maybe a new Wipeout? Who knows. I do expect White Knight Chronicles to be at TGS although that's not a new announcement. Either way this will be an exciting week and I can't wait to hear what comes out of Japan later this week. And of course either Derek or I will be back next Tuesday to give a full report on what Sony announces.

Credit: IGN


Little Big Planet will destroy your site!



Boy Sackboy is quickly becoming a phenomenon. I mean seriously, it appears as if every site to give out Little Big Planet Beta keys gets swarmed with people so badly that their servers overload and totally shut down the site. I mean seriously I don't think I've ever seen a Beta/Demo that's created as much hype as the Little Big Planet Beta. It appears as if every PS3 owner and their dog wants into the Beta. Hell the game comes out in two weeks yet people still can't wait to get their hands on Sackboy *hehe*.

As any long time reader of B3yond the Report knows I've been a huge Little Big Planet promoter ever since I started writing the column. The idea of truly being able to create anything in a game is incredible. I've seen everything from incredible Patapon style levels to working recreations of Tetris to an epic Shadow of the Colossus level. The game isn't even out yet and I'd still say that there are at least 30 free levels worth downloading. Hell, I've even seen a decent Gears of War style level that was anything but "cutesy". Personally, I think that if Sony can find a proper way to promote LBP to the masses *that means good commercials that appeal to casual gamers*, than Little Big Planet will be a huge hit. The hardcore gamers already know the awesomeness of Little Big Planet, but Sony now needs to get the word out there that anyone can enjoy LBP and they need to do it via heavy television based advertising. LBP can truly be the next big PS3 game, but Sony needs to start getting the word out there now!

Oh, and Media Molecule has finally confirmed that there are on-going talks of making a LBP for the PSP. Some sources are reporting that Sony Liverpool has already been developing a port of LBP for some time now while other sources are saying that it will be handled by Media Molecule themselves. As long as a PSP version of LBP would in some way connect with the PS3 version and allow for some sort of file transfer system than I would be all over a PSP port of LBP.




Buy it October 21st! Do it! I command you!

Credit: Media Molecule


What's coming to the PS3?



Quite a few new accessories will be hitting the PS3 this fall, and most of them I highly approve. I've already discussed in the past the official PS3 Bluetooth headset that will be bundled with SOCOM Confrontation for $60 *and will be released next week* and will also be sold separately for $50 later this fall. But besides the official PS3 headset will be the PS3 keypad, which I actually have no idea when it's coming out but it looks pretty sweet. The PS3 keypad will be a lot like the 360 chat pad which was released late last year except the PS3 keypad will attach on the top via the USB slot instead of underneath the controller like the chat pad. Personally I will be all over the PS3 keypad since I already get a lot of messages on the PS3 and it's really bothersome to have to use the current built-in keypad. Plus, once Home comes out I'm sure the amount of typing users such as myself do on the PS3 will easily double so having the PS3 keypad will be very beneficial. Speaking of which feel free to add me on the PS3 *my PSN name is Fester*.

Another feature that would be very beneficial to PS3 users would be a downloadable PS2 emulator. While there's been rumors of one coming ever since the 40 GB first took out backwards compatibility a new piece of information just came out that would seem to justify that a PS2 emulator is in the works. Taken from the product description of the 80 GB core system: "The new 80-Gig PS3 System features the ability to play PS3 Games, Blu-rays & DVD movies (PS2 Games can be played when downloading Sony's PS2 emulator software online)." While there's always the chance that this is a mistake on Sony's part this at least gives the impression that Sony realizes that it was a mistake to remove PS2 compatibility in the PS3.

Meanwhile Sony has recently stated that the PS3 is currently selling 30% faster than expected despite being outsold by the 360 in Japan in September. While the PS3 is selling decently well they really need to sell a lot of PS3's this holiday season if they want to finally close the gap on the 360. I'm currently assuming that a combination of the price drops of the 360 in Japan plus the recent surge of JRPG's in Japan is the reason why 360 sales are seeing a boost, but I'd be willing to bet that it'll slow down, especially since FF13 isn't coming to the 360 in Japan. Anyways I feel that this holiday season will tell how the rest of the console generation will go. I think that if Sony manages to outsell the 360 this holiday season than it still has the chance to catch up to the 360 this generation, but if the 360 manages to outsell the PS3 this holiday season than the PS3 is destined to get last place in the console wars. It's now or never Sony.


PS3 Keypad rules!

Credit: Sony


Sony PlayStation Store update for the week of October 2



So we meet again PlayStation Store update! Don't think I've forgotten the unforgivable sins you've committed against my people. Hell, I still have nightmares at night about the Go! Sports games *god damn you Captain Rainbow!*. Derek Robbins may be too young and naive to know about your tragic past but I remember!

Any who, it's time to put the past behind us and move forward. This week the PlayStation Network was updated with several new demos, most of which are actually worth trying out. You know, it was around this time last year that I wrote a big feature detailing all the year's basketball games *NBA Live 2008, NBA 2K8, and NBA 08* and gave a controversial recommendation to NBA 08 over the others. Well all 3 games are at it again this year, and after playing the demo for all 3, I have to say that NBA Live 2009 is probably the best *NBA 2K9 was pretty good too*. It's funny really, as last year I found NBA Live to be terrible, yet this year I thought it was the most visually impressive as well as the most fun to play. Plus the DNA system sounds awesome, so if you're looking for the best NBA game to play in 2008 look no further than NBA Live 2009. Sorry NBA 09, but you dropped the ball *pun*. Edit: Apparently I missed the cliff-note about NBA 2K9 having its own DNA program, so I guess that feature is a wash. As for pure gameplay, it's really close but I'd still probably give the edge to Live 2009, it felt more realistic and overall gelled better *and the jersey's looked terrible in 2K9's demo*.

Anyways, besides the demos for the basketball games, demos for BioShock, Beijing 2008, Eternal Sonata, and Brothers in Arms: Hells Highway went live. While I would recommend trying them all out, I'm not sure if I'd recommend buying the full games of any of them except NBA Live 2009 and BioShock *if you hadn't already played it on the 360 or PC*. October is going to be packed with games, and it's hard to recommend any of these games over Little Big Planet or Motorstorm: Pacific Rift. The soundtrack to Pixel Junk Eden also went up for download as well as a bunch of new content for games like Tiger Woods and Soul Calibur 4, but I haven't downloaded any of it personally.

Oh, and don't think I've forgotten about you Rock Band. Sure, I appreciate your peace offering of the awesome Red Hot Chile Peppers, but at this point I don't think we can ever get along.


NBA Live 2009, the first picture was from NBA 09.

Credit: Sony



B3yond the Tabloids!

Well after EA failed to buyout Take 2 *just like I predicted back in February*, EA is apparently already back on the prowl. Rumors are reporting that EA is looking into acquiring Epic, which would give them control of the Unreal Engine. Another thing it would give EA control of would be Epic's Unreal Tournament franchise, although I think Microsoft has the rights to Gears of War. Then again if EA bought out Epic unless Gears of War 3 would go multiplatform Microsoft would have to find another studio to develop Gears 3 since EA is highly against making exclusive games. Gears 3 made by Rare? Who knows but I'd expect to hear more on this rumor in the near future.

Resident Evil 5 will finally get rid of the god awful typewriter saving system. I mean come on, it was fine for the old Resident Evil games, but forcing players to use it in RE4 was ridiculous. RE5 will instead have auto-saving at specific checkpoints and in-between chapters. I still think every game should allow players to save at any point in time *like most PC games and emulators*.

Weird, there's actually some PSP news worth talking about *I wasn't writing B3yond when the PSP 3000 was unveiled*. A heavy rumor is circulating that sometime in 2009 all PSP games from then on will be downloadable, which in my opinion is a must. It's pretty clear that the UMD format failed and Sony desperately needs to get the PSP PlayStation Store up and running and focus on that as the new way to sell PSP games. That doesn't mean that Sony shouldn't still make UMDs, but Sony at least needs to go the way of WarHawk and make a downloadable version of every PSP game. Then maybe make the PSP2 strictly a downloadable system.

Puzzle Quest will officially be heading to the PSN, which means that Puzzle Quest will be available for practically every system ever made. Hell I've got Puzzle Quest on the Phantom, and that's not even possible!

The official PlayStation Magazine has confirmed that Uncharted 2 is in development, which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. While I would like to see a PS3 Jak and Daxter game, I also loved Uncharted and definitely have no problems with continuing the adventures of Drake in Uncharted 2. Here's hoping the game will be in the first half of 2009.

THQ came out this week and wanted to assure everyone that Saints Row 2's multiplayer "won't be like GTA4's". I think what they meant to say is that "it won't be like GTA4's, it will be GTA4's". Nah I'm just kidding, I'm sure someone will buy Saints Row 2. Hell if it wasn't for the sweet Gary Busey trailers I wouldn't even know this game exists.

Rumor has it that Rockstar Toronto, the same team that made The Warriors, will be developing Max Payne 3. While I wasn't quite the Max Payne 2 super fan that some people were I definitely wouldn't mind seeing a current-gen Max Payne for PS3/360.

While some people were under the assumption that a Mirror's Edge demo would be hitting the PSN/XBL any week now, DICE has confirmed that we won't be seeing a Mirror's Edge demo until right before the game's release, which probably means around mid-November.

Finally, oh f'n finally a Bomberman game will be coming to the PSN. Hudson will be releasing Bomberman Ultra on the PSN sometime later this year with an 8 person online multiplayer *4 player locally*. While I'm disappointed Ultra won't have a 10 player versus mode like the Saturn Bomberman at least the PSN version of Bomberman will apparently be like the XBLA Bomberman which was incredibly awesome.



B3yond the Cinema!



Here's the second part of the Little Big Planet documentary. These documentaries are awesome and I recommend you check them out. The first is downloadable on the PSN.



Here's some gameplay footage of Tom Clancy's EndWar, which is looking pretty awesome.



Finally, here's some gameplay footage of MegaMan 9, which you're crazy if you don't get.



The One Man Water Cooler~!



Stay away from my banner Derek! Nah I'm kidding, feel free to keep using it if you want *because everyone knows Duke Nukem Forever will be out before you change this banner*.

Any who, since Derek hates all PS3 games not named Disgaea, I feel it is my duty to let everyone know what are the best games to play on the PS3 right now. So let's get to it:

WipeOut HD: If you enjoy racing games, than this is for you. Forget any other racers to come out in September *Pure*, WipeOut HD is incredibly awesome. The graphics are flat out jaw dropping and the game looks beautiful even on the fastest speeds. I really have nothing bad to say about this game, it's really one of the best games to come to the PSN.

MegaMan 9: That's right, I'm a sucker for old school games. Capcom made MegaMan 9 as if it were a port of an NES game and I love every bit of it. MegaMan9 is a side scrolling shooter/platformer and it represents everything that was right with the old days. It's difficult *although not game ruining difficult*, and the gameplay is unmatched even by today's standards. For $10 MegaMan 9 is a steal. Plus it got rid of the retarded charge shot and slide *although upcoming DLC with Protoman can add that back in*.

NHL 09: I recently reviewed this game for 411, and as I stated in my review this game is awesome. This is the best sports game of the year and is a sports fans dream. Plus I still love the idea of including the controls from NHL 94 as an option, as NHL 94 was the first hockey game I ever played.

SOCOM Confrontation: Sure the game is only in Beta right now *comes out next week*, but it truly is a thinking-man's shooter. The competition is intense and I love it. If you like realistic third person shooters then you need to check out SOCOM Confrontation. Plus, it will hold over shooter fans until Call of Duty: World at War and Resistance 2 next month.

Motorstorm: Pacific Rift: Once again this is another game that is only available as a short demo, but it is incredible *full game comes out on the 28th*. From what I've played so far Pacific Rift will easily be the arcade style racer of the year, easily being better than Pure, Baja, and even Mario Kart *I'm sorry but Mario Kart was a letdown, it's basically a port of a DS game*. Motorstorm: Pacific Rift looks great, plays awesome, and just flat out feels fun and satisfying to play. And the addition of split-screen multiplayer is a huge bonus.

Little Big Planet: Again another game that is only in Beta *although out in stores in 2 weeks*, but the game is a must buy. The amount of brilliance in this game is unmatched, and this game can really be something special. There are a ton of awesome levels up for download now, and while I'm sure there's going to be a lot of crap going up, just filter for the recommended levels and I'm sure you'll be playing endless awesome levels for months to come. Plus Sackboy is just plain cute *minus 2 manhood points*.



B3yond the Mail!



Well, this is my column. So rather than take the pussy way out and not talk for other people, I'm going to personally respond to last week's messages as if I was actually Derek Robbins!

To Mark Salmela: Mark said: "The cut scenes and art style from Mirror's Edge looks like an e-surance commercial. And that's not a good thing..."

God Mark, you sound kinda sexy, and it appears as if you have a big brain to boot! I could never fill your shoes.


To M:-x: M:-x said: "I think the reason people are bitching (currently) about the voice acting in FF games is because they don't want to wait another two years for 13 to come out."

I think you're mistaken, nobody ever bitches about Final Fantasy. It's perfect in every way possible. The only game that can come close to matching its awesomeness is Earthbound.


To Big dan (Guest): Big Dan said: " just finished metal gear solid and would like to know did they make raiden such a bad ass in this one because he was such a let down in number 2? seemd like an entire new person compaired to the old one."

You want to know what I think of Raiden in MGS4? Well be sure to check out my top ten list of badass MGS characters. Well, I mean when I actually make it, which will be after my 47th Final Fantasy appreciation list next week.


To Toddo: Toddo said: " With Microsoft & Nintendo having sold so many units already, even if the PS3 manages to finally pass either one, won't it be to little to late? I'm not saying that Sony won't outsell them, well Microsoft anyway, but with MS having already moved millions of consoles, by the time Sony is able to pass them, will it have that much of an impact? I mean say Sony catches and passes MS at the end of 2010, how much will that matter, if by that time Microsoft and Nintendo each have 20 million consoles out in peoples homes. I guess it would make them all winners with this generation, but would MS and Nintendo really have to worry about it at that point?"

Um no… the console wars aren't over until Nintendo releases Mother 3 in the US. Then it's over…


To Drew Robbins : Drew said: " Just thought I'd say this David...one game does not a good console make. MGS4 is great.

Though, why are you citing that as an example, Uncharted was the better game :P"

Did I say you could come out of the basement Drew? I'm telling Mom if you don't get your scrawny, RPG hating ass back in the basement right now!


As I said before I always read what you guys send me and I appreciate the comments, even if they're sometimes filled with hate. If you wanted a response to your comment and I didn't respond I apologize.



The 411mania Empire~!



The Full Circle by Joe Roche. For those new to the site, Joe is 411's resident weenie.
Nintendophiles by Theo Fraser. Theo is a slight step up from Joe, although both columns pale in comparison to B3yond. Hey, we've got the sweet banners they only wish they could have.
The PC Centric Extravaganza by Chris Evans.
The Select and Start News by Vincent Chiucchi.
The Import Scene by Tommy Coloma. So Tommy you wrote The Negative Edge on average of once a month, and now you expect me to believe you're going to write The Import Scene on a weekly basis? Riiiiight…
The 10th Hour by Derek Robbins. One would think I would appreciate Derek for writing B3yond, but I'm just an ass…
Coming Attractions by Drew Robbins. Anyone who actually likes Fracture deserves to be shot.



B3yond the Wallpaper!

Well I have a special treat for everyone, as I am here to present to you the official B3yond the Report wallpaper. I recently tricked all of my fellow 411games comrades into giving me a little description of themselves, and it has led to the next strike in my war against the other news writers. A huge thanks to B3yond the Super fan Eric for the submission, and without further adieu, here's the official B3yond the Report wallpaper.

Download the official B3yond the Wallpaper here. It's available in many awesome resolutions. Here's a downsized version of the wallpaper.



B3yond the Report for life!

Yeah that's right. I'm still pimpin' the wallpaper. Seriously, B3yond for life!



Signing Off!



Well it's been fun everyone. Hopefully I didn't come off as rusty, as this was my first B3yond in 2 months now. I really enjoyed filling in for Derek, and since he also has a very busy schedule you might see me filling in for him more often. Here's hoping all of my favorite readers return to fill the comments section with the hate that I love, as I need something to entertain me on these cold, long nights. Man, I'm going to be flat out broke after the awesome games coming in the next 2 months, here's hoping the Economy doesn't collapse! Cya when I cya *Bye-bye Buzz Lightyear*.