The Full Circle: 360 News Report 01.02.09
Posted by Joe Roche on 01.02.2009
It's a brand new year, with the same old The Full Circle. This week 411's Joe Roche is going to talk about Avatars, DLC, Microsoft's economic issues, and some of the Full Circle's most highly anticipated games in 2009.
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to two thousand and nine (2009)! Sorry I got a little lawyer sidetracked there for a second, but regardless we're off and running with the very first The Full Circle for the New Year. I hope everyone had a safe holiday season, and lets all hope for an even better 2009.
Last week was not really a column that I wrote on Christmas, so to fill in the blanks since the last time we spoke – I have made the leap into being a multi platform owner (sort of) because I purchased a Wii for my wife as a Christmas present and I have to admit that the console itself doesn't present a whole lot to write home about, but being able to play Ocarina of Time is pretty fantastic.
On the Xbox 360 front I picked up Prince of Persia and while I haven't had a chance to get too deep into the game (I'm doing a review of The Last Remnant right now), there is no denying that this game is absolutely beautiful. I'm not crazy about going back over the level that I just beat to pick up light seeds, but all in all I've made it through the first two stages and have had a good time doing it.
Finally, as I said I've been playing The Last Remnant lately for review purposes and it is a mixed bag. I really like the group battle element as it adds some new strategy to the turned based RPG, but the game is very buggy, with a lot of texture issues which I'm not a huge fan of. This one will be in the system for awhile so you'll hear more about it as I progress.
So enough about me – it's been awhile since I've done a full column thanks to the holidays but we're two days into 2009 and it's time for The Full Circle.
Free Avatar Clothes Leading Off
In a sure fire sign that news is incredibly SLOW this week I'm going to lead off with a story about free Avatar clothes. I don't care about free clothing for my avatar, and I'm sure that you don't either. Consider this story more of a device to make a point then anything really "news" related. However, if you're the one guy who wants some new free threads for your virtual self then check out the free stuff that was released on Wednesday while the rest of the world was drinking heavily and wearing funny hats.
The Elevator Killer's Crossword Puzzle
If you're a fan of crossword puzzles and deceased game show guru's then you're going to love the final XBLA title of 2008, Merv Griffin's Crossword. Continuing with the trend of non news, news stories here is one about a crossword puzzle game on the XBLA available for download right now. Hopefully you didn't stock up on Christmas with games to play into the New Year because I'm sure your time will be consumed with this fan favorite.
Oh and for those who are confused – I really only posted this story so I could make a "Man with Two Brain's" reference. Easily one of my Top 3 favorite Steve Martin movies with "The Jerk" and "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" rounding out the list.
Microsoft Layoffs Coming
As it turns out these are tough economic times for everyone. Fudzilla is reporting that long-standing rumors of Microsoft job cuts have been confirmed. Microsoft, who employs 90,000 workers worldwide, will make substantial cuts to its workforce. Microsoft plans are to cut 15,000 jobs, which equals about 17% of all employees come January 15, 2009.
Microsoft's Q2 earnings report is due on January 22, 2009, adding more weight to the expected layoffs date. According to the article, rumblings point to most cuts aimed at the MSN division with potentially larger cuts to Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa).
Due to increased console sales it doesn't appear like the Games Division will be affected at this time, however if things don't turn around across the board for Microsoft there is no telling how long that trend will continue.
Sony Exclusive Coming to the 360
After selling 30,000 units in Japan the previously PS3 exclusive Way of the Samuri 3 is being brought to the Xbox 360 (at least in Japan). The game is scheduled to be released in Japan on February 26, 2009 and will include some new elements and some downloadable content.
The Hot Button
Topic:Anticipating 2009
As we enter 2009 we leave behind a year that saw a whole boatload of great titles, which left The Full Circle's wallet a bit light. For this week's Hot Button we're going to look ahead to some of the brightest upcoming titles that we'll see in 2009. Remember that this is my opinion so if there are titles that you're waiting for that didn't make the list please throw them in the comments and we'll talk about them next week. Without further ado onto the list of some of my most anticipated games of the New Year.
Street Fighter IV:(Feb. 17, 2009) I have said on more then one occasion that I'm not a huge fighting game fan, however even I'm excited to play Street Fighter IV. Capcom deserves a lot of credit for how they've incorporated nostalgia into their releases lately but still creating games that hold up today, SF4 looks to do much of the same. The introduction of the Focus Attacks system should add some interesting elements to the game, and it's always fun to play as old favorites like Ryu and Ken.
WWE Legends of Wrestlemania:(March 2009) As part of my contract with 411Mania I am required to mention this game at least once a month until it releases, this should satisfy that requirement. I am actually pretty excited for this game, which looks beautiful in all of the trailers I've seen thus far, and the ability to replay some classic moments from Wrestlemania's past is priceless.
Resident Evil 5:(March 13, 2009) I have to admit that I was going to mention Star Ocean 4 but let's be serious for a moment there is no way that I'm going to be playing Star Ocean during the same week that RE5 comes out. I was never a huge Resident Evil fan, but there is no denying how great the fifth installment looks. The Co-Op game play should add a lot of replay value to the game, and if the early trailers are any indication this game is going to pack enough zombie killing fun to fill up hours of my time.
Velvet Assassin:(Q1 2009) I'm a bit torn on Velvet Assassin. On the one hand the screens that I've seen look beautiful, and the "based on a true story" theme of the game touches on my inner history nerd. Of course on the other hand stealth games are easy to screw up, and beautiful graphics don't always equal great game play.
Bioshock 2: Sea of Dreams(Q3 2009) No explanation necessary right? Bioshock was one of/if not the best game of 2007. I know that some people are a bit nervous about 2K Boston not being in charge of Sea of Dreams, but I have no reason to think that 2K Marin can't handle the responsibility that this game brings along with it. Not a whole lot is known about Bioshock 2 yet, but just the name alone gives me goosebumps so my anticipation meter will only get higher when more details are revealed.
Halo 3:ODST:(Q3 2009) New Halo where you get to play an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper? Yes please.
Final Fantasy XIII:(2009) I'm not expecting Final Fantasy to be released in 2009. I think if you're a JRPG fan, or a Square fan then your best bet for 2009 is going to be the aforementioned Star Ocean 4. However, the game is slated for a 2009 release, and because of that I am going to put this game on the list because as soon as FF13 comes out I will be playing it. I am a Final Fantasy mark and I won't apologize for that even if the series has been hit or miss for awhile now.
Alan Wake:(2009) Ha! Just kidding, we all know Alan Wake won't be out in 2009.
So with 2008 under wraps, what are you most excited about for 2009?
Alan Wake will make it out by the end of the year. Wishful thinking? Ab-so-fucking-lutely.
Posted By: Todd Vote (Registered) on January 02, 2009 at 10:02 AM
I've reached the point where I'm not even sure Alan Wake is a real game anymore.
Posted By: Joe Roche (Guest) on January 02, 2009 at 10:49 AM
as part of your contract with 411, you have to mention that RVD is going to be a part of the Legends of Wrestlemania game... Im interested in "alpha protocol"
Posted By: setobakura (Guest) on January 02, 2009 at 11:29 PM
I was looking at the release list for 2009, is Assassin's Creed supposed to return this year, or are we getting more Prince of Persia....or is Beyond Good and Evil set for this year?
Posted By: Drew Robbins (Registered) on January 03, 2009 at 12:03 PM
