This weeks gaming podcast, we’re flashing back to Bikini Karate Babes. We’re looking at the history of David Crane, or trying to get through it while getting distracted by a bunch of banter. The gaming news this week includes:
- Sony’s Motion controller due out this fall
- Pandemic and Ensemble Studios take blame for closures
- Sony losing another exclusive developer, possibly (rumor)
- More DS 2 rumors surface
This weeks question of the week is pretty simple: What game from your childhood do you recall loving the most–life changing. Don’t go watch any video’s, take it from your memory.
You guys are really behind on the PS3 Move, so let me give you some of the information.
The ball on top of the Move main controller is the sensor, and it changes color depending on the background. For example, if the wall behind you is red, the sensor will be yellow for maximum contrast.
The subcontroller is not like the nunchuk in that there’s NO motion control in the device. This means that if you want to play a game that uses two motion controls – and there are games like that; the boxing game for instance – you have to BUY a second controller. Considering Sony said that the controller would be “less than $100″… there’s some investment going on.
Unfortunately, the games are nothing special. Even though the control is very precise with 1:1 movement, the games are the same stuff you see on the Wii already. A Wii Sports-like game. A minigames game. And so on. You’re asking people to spend $150-$200 (if you intend on getting two controllers so you can play some of the games that require dual control), you’re already spending as much money as you would for the Wii. And that’s NOT including the PS3 console.
The IGN podcast that covered it at GDC characterized Sony as being “desperate”. Sony had been in the top spot for the last decade plus, and had never been in the position they are in (last place). You also have to realize this is the SECOND attempt at motion control (third if you include the EyeToy), and the Sixaxis failed miserably. Sony keeps bleating that the PS3 will be bought by people who are “upscaling” from the Wii, but you’re asking people to spend $300 for a new console, then $150+ for a new motion control that basically PLAYS THE SAME GAMES that the Wii already has, but with Home characters instead of Miis (Sports Champions is Wii Sports, for example). This is not exactly compelling, especially when you consider these owners may not even buy the Wii 2.
Furthermore, Sony kept bleating about how they’ll cater to the “hardcore” crowd with the Move, but then they show off a bunch of casual games? Move Party? Really, Sony? They did show the functionality of SOCOM 4 with the Move, but what gamer will choose a motion control over a gamepad control for a shooter? Every podcast discussed the confusing mixed message Sony was giving in the conference.
The things Microsoft has going for it with the Natal are twofold:
1. it’s far different than what the Wiimote and Move are trying to accomplish, so it feels fresher. It may flop on its face in November, but it’s trying something unique. Microsoft is also touting the non-game aspects (ie. flipping through Netflix with your hand a la Minority Report), so maybe there will be flexibility.
2. Natal will be PC compatible, and there’s rumblings to make it work with ordinary TVs as well. Don’t underestimate that. People already own PCs and at the very least TVs.
I don’t know how Natal will wow me any more than I know how Rock Band 3 will “innovate”, but that may change. If they can hold the price to $75 or under, I’ll probably buy it right off the bat just for novelty sake. If anything, I’ll be buying something that’ll recognize my face and have voice recognition.
You guys are really behind on the PS3 Move, so let me give you some of the information.
The ball on top of the Move main controller is the sensor, and it changes color depending on the background. For example, if the wall behind you is red, the sensor will be yellow for maximum contrast.
The subcontroller is not like the nunchuk in that there’s NO motion control in the device. This means that if you want to play a game that uses two motion controls – and there are games like that; the boxing game for instance – you have to BUY a second controller. Considering Sony said that the controller would be “less than $100″… there’s some investment going on.
Unfortunately, the games are nothing special. Even though the control is very precise with 1:1 movement, the games are the same stuff you see on the Wii already. A Wii Sports-like game. A minigames game. And so on. You’re asking people to spend $150-$200 (if you intend on getting two controllers so you can play some of the games that require dual control), you’re already spending as much money as you would for the Wii. And that’s NOT including the PS3 console.
The IGN podcast that covered it at GDC characterized Sony as being “desperate”. Sony had been in the top spot for the last decade plus, and had never been in the position they are in (last place). You also have to realize this is the SECOND attempt at motion control (third if you include the EyeToy), and the Sixaxis failed miserably. Sony keeps bleating that the PS3 will be bought by people who are “upscaling” from the Wii, but you’re asking people to spend $300 for a new console, then $150+ for a new motion control that basically PLAYS THE SAME GAMES that the Wii already has, but with Home characters instead of Miis (Sports Champions is Wii Sports, for example). This is not exactly compelling, especially when you consider these owners may not even buy the Wii 2.
Furthermore, Sony kept bleating about how they’ll cater to the “hardcore” crowd with the Move, but then they show off a bunch of casual games? Move Party? Really, Sony? They did show the functionality of SOCOM 4 with the Move, but what gamer will choose a motion control over a gamepad control for a shooter? Every podcast discussed the confusing mixed message Sony was giving in the conference.
The things Microsoft has going for it with the Natal are twofold:
1. it’s far different than what the Wiimote and Move are trying to accomplish, so it feels fresher. It may flop on its face in November, but it’s trying something unique. Microsoft is also touting the non-game aspects (ie. flipping through Netflix with your hand a la Minority Report), so maybe there will be flexibility.
2. Natal will be PC compatible, and there’s rumblings to make it work with ordinary TVs as well. Don’t underestimate that. People already own PCs and at the very least TVs.
I don’t know how Natal will wow me any more than I know how Rock Band 3 will “innovate”, but that may change. If they can hold the price to $75 or under, I’ll probably buy it right off the bat just for novelty sake. If anything, I’ll be buying something that’ll recognize my face and have voice recognition.
:O What do you mean bikinis are not good for fighting? You mean all the producers for those B and C movies were wrong?!
@Sony’s Motion controller: you’re not naysayers, you just use your head for thinking. Some of the people just use it to protect their necks from rain …
@Pandemic and Ensemble Studios: it’s complicated. It happens to a lot of groups that try to build a product. It happens even on teams that are set to make a game mod.
There are so many reasons why things go bad that it’s a little miracle that games/products to get made.
@Sony losing another exclusive developer:
It makes perfect sense. The developer is reaching for other markets. These things happen (funny enough I typed this while reaching the point where Don got zapped in the ear). Valve is bringing Steam and it’s games to the Mac. It is normal.
@Question of the week:
There are several games no the NES that seriously affected me: Alien 3, Robocop 4, Terminator 2, Battle tank … oh boy …
Anyway, Alien 3 topped all of them: it had a time limit in which you had to reach the end of the level AND reach/kill infected civilians. The music is also great.
:O What do you mean bikinis are not good for fighting? You mean all the producers for those B and C movies were wrong?!
@Sony’s Motion controller: you’re not naysayers, you just use your head for thinking. Some of the people just use it to protect their necks from rain …
@Pandemic and Ensemble Studios: it’s complicated. It happens to a lot of groups that try to build a product. It happens even on teams that are set to make a game mod.
There are so many reasons why things go bad that it’s a little miracle that games/products to get made.
@Sony losing another exclusive developer:
It makes perfect sense. The developer is reaching for other markets. These things happen (funny enough I typed this while reaching the point where Don got zapped in the ear). Valve is bringing Steam and it’s games to the Mac. It is normal.
@Question of the week:
There are several games no the NES that seriously affected me: Alien 3, Robocop 4, Terminator 2, Battle tank … oh boy …
Anyway, Alien 3 topped all of them: it had a time limit in which you had to reach the end of the level AND reach/kill infected civilians. The music is also great.
In Regards to the QOTW
I’ll have to go back in time when I was only a little boy; this game would be an all time favorite which is Legend of Zelda:Ocarina of time on the N64. As this game being my 1st good RPG I played it changed the way I looked at games and what aspects I’d look in a game in the future. Before LOZ in my experience games were more challenge orientated (time trials, high scores ect…). LOZ had the puzzles and challenges but introduced a good story in a game which to me is now one of the most important elements in a game. LOZ to me as a kid was a interactive novel. So LOZ:OOT really influenced the games I play to ….Like AC and FF =]
Nice timing, we were just finishing up the notes!
In Regards to the QOTW
I’ll have to go back in time when I was only a little boy; this game would be an all time favorite which is Legend of Zelda:Ocarina of time on the N64. As this game being my 1st good RPG I played it changed the way I looked at games and what aspects I’d look in a game in the future. Before LOZ in my experience games were more challenge orientated (time trials, high scores ect…). LOZ had the puzzles and challenges but introduced a good story in a game which to me is now one of the most important elements in a game. LOZ to me as a kid was a interactive novel. So LOZ:OOT really influenced the games I play to ….Like AC and FF =]
Nice timing, we were just finishing up the notes!
I was trying to be fashionably late
I was trying to be fashionably late
Excellent. I was just finishing the Gaming History, we record in about an hour. 🙂
Excellent. I was just finishing the Gaming History, we record in about an hour. 🙂
BTW
My perception on good tequila haz changed cuz of you, lol although it’s costing me 50-80% price increase to purchase 100% agave, but i do justify in general spending the little more to get get top quality spirits & Liquors
BTW
My perception on good tequila haz changed cuz of you, lol although it’s costing me 50-80% price increase to purchase 100% agave, but i do justify in general spending the little more to get get top quality spirits & Liquors
So, it has changed because you tried it and saw the difference? Or you just trusting me? 🙂
So, it has changed because you tried it and saw the difference? Or you just trusting me? 🙂
Trust you… not sure bout that lol but yeah i did figure out that sierra and José Cuervo Especial are just flavoured Methylated Spirits. i just cant jusify buying them now
Trust you… not sure bout that lol but yeah i did figure out that sierra and José Cuervo Especial are just flavoured Methylated Spirits. i just cant jusify buying them now
Tequila is a very distinct and intriguing flavor to me & more than comfortable to shot, as for shots tequila wit salt and lemon is the top of my list (just never do a tequila hardcore cuz that’s just stupid). The 100% agave tequilas seem to have to be a bit smooth to me as well, although the 1st 100% agave tequila I purchased was nice but I could help notice this charcoal aftertaste it was very dirty like the filtering wasn’t very professional.
Tequila is a very distinct and intriguing flavor to me & more than comfortable to shot, as for shots tequila wit salt and lemon is the top of my list (just never do a tequila hardcore cuz that’s just stupid). The 100% agave tequilas seem to have to be a bit smooth to me as well, although the 1st 100% agave tequila I purchased was nice but I could help notice this charcoal aftertaste it was very dirty like the filtering wasn’t very professional.
…i think ive gone off topic lolz to me the two go great together =p
…i think ive gone off topic lolz to me the two go great together =p
Charcoal aftertaste, I’ve never had that before, just the rubber tire Patron taste. The other big deal, 100% de agave allows you to drink without a nasty screaming hangover!
Charcoal aftertaste, I’ve never had that before, just the rubber tire Patron taste. The other big deal, 100% de agave allows you to drink without a nasty screaming hangover!