Articles by TheDoctor
The fine folks over at the MTV Multiplayer Blog did a little experiment this past weekend. They wanted to figure out which console downloaded games the fastest, and the results were rather mixed. While downloading Mega Man 9, the PS3 was favored with top speed the majority of the time, while the 360 was able to pull ahead. The Wii ended up being the slowest of the bunch with a download speed nearly half that of the PS3. Another test yielded the following:
-Everyday Shooter game download speed on PS3: .67 MB per second (1st place)
-Braid game download speed on Xbox 360: .61 MB per second (2nd place)
-World of Goo game download speed on Wii: .55 MB per second (3rd place)
None of this really helps me, I'm stuck on a DSL line which means it takes about twelve hours to download anything. Heck, uploading this post took me the better part of the afternoon. Are these download results further ammo in the console war, or does anyone really care how long it takes their content to beam from the servers to their system? At least the 360 and PS3 let you do other things while downloading, then again, the Wii does have that old school Mario block punching vibe...
PS3 vs. Wii vs. 360: Which Console Downloads Games Fastest? [MTV Multiplayer]
What the heck is this? The first week of February and there are almost no games being released. I'm not talking good games, I'm talking games in general. If you haven't bought Burnout Paradise yet, then you probably hate me and refuse to listen to my pleading. Otherwise, grab it on the PC and prepare for racing heaven. Wii owners should at least give Tenchu Shadow Assassins a brief glance, if only to be experiencing a bit of ninja stealth action on the console. My World My Way seems like a fashion simulator, but in reality is a nice casual RPG that is perfect for those who find the genre daunting, or those of us that like to get in touch with our feminine side. I promise next week is filled with awesome games, so just hold tight until then.
Dear Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy,
Thank you for providing your vocal talents to the upcoming action game, Batman Arkham Asylum. Having grown up watching Batman The Animated Series, the two of you embody the characters of The Joker and Batman, and I will associate you with them for the rest of my life. I also understand that there is more than just a storyline in Batman Arkham Asylum. The visuals so far look good, although I want to see something other than gray stone and shadows. The gameplay seems to mix brawling with sneaking, and if you can pull them both off well, then this may be the best Batman game in a very very long time. I just want the little tinge of fear in the back of my mind to go away, the fear that this might end up as a neutered version of Manhunt. I really hope not...
Your fan,
TheDoctor
Welcome, my friends, to the PSN update. Here we have a few special treats to end this first month of 2009. First up we've got Bejeweled 2, casual enough for grandma, and hardcore enough for... well probably just grandma. Fear not, we've also got Savage Moon, a nifty looking tower defense game taking everything you loved about Pixel Junk Monsters and adding an out of this world paint coat. If you've got SAT's or ACT's coming up then you'll need to pick up Brain Challenge, sure to help you push your brain to its absolute limit. I really should get paid to market this stuff! Little Big Planet has some fun new costumes including God of War skins and objects as well as a groundhog costume just in time for February 2nd, otherwise known as my birthday! DLC for Mirror's Edge takes away the frustrating combat out of the game and makes it all about the run. I already downloaded and watched the new Final Fantasy XIII trailer and it looks absolutely stunning when running on an HDtv. The wait for this game is going to drive me up the wall! Oh and Burnout Paradise is now twenty bucks, so not buying it means we're no longer friends. Now go burn some bandwidth.
PULSE
- PULSE 01/29 Edition (also available from the PSP store) (free)
PULSE presented by the PlayStationNetwork is a free high definition video showcase of what's happening right now on PlayStation. Featuring new game releases, demos, movie and television arrivals available for your PS3 and PSP systems, PULSE is a fast-paced new source to keep you connected and informed about the world of PlayStation.
Hosted by Christina Lee.
Price Update
- Burnout Paradise Price Drop (now $19.99)
- Shaun White Mile High Target and Regular Editions Price Drop (now $4.99)
Downloadable Games
- Bejeweled 2 ($9.99)
Experience the classic gem-swapping puzzler! Now available on the PlayStation Network, Bejeweled 2 lovers can now earn over 10 unique PS3 trophies and play Bejeweled 2 on the PSP via remote play. Swap gems to match 3 or more, and delight in four different game modes and explosive new gem types. With amazing planetary backdrops and awesome special effects in 1080p, Bejeweled 2 will dazzle you!
- Savage Moon ($9.99)
This action-packed tower defense strategy game takes you to distant planets where you must defend mining facilities from relentless Insectocyte monsters. Build towers in strategic locations to fend off the attackers, then use funds from kills and mining to build, upgrade, or research new weapons and technologies to strengthen your defenses. It will take equal parts skill and strategy to survive in Savage Moon. Download the game today!
- Brain Challenge PS3 + PSP games Bundle ($12.99)
Now train your brain anywhere you want without restriction! Boost your brain abilities through fun gaming sessions from the comfort of your sofa or on the go. 25 Visual, Memory, Logic, Math and Focus mini-games will put your neurons to the test. Additional stress-management exercises will push the challenge even further and help you develop resistance to real-life stress. Compare yourself with other players in exciting multiplayer modes.
Offer valid until February 26th 2009!
So much more after the jump.
Everyone's favorite wisecracking Prince will be getting a little extra mileage on the PS3 and 360 next month. Ubisoft has revealed that Prince of Persia DLC will hit the game on February 26th. Titled The Epilogue, this add on will see the Prince and Elika escaping from the Underground Palace, which is like an above ground palace, but with less windows. Also added are new attacks for the lovable miscreant as well as a new energize power that allows rubble to be rebuilt into pathways for our heroes to run across. New challenges and skins has Ubisoft ensuring 3 hours of additional gameplay.
No word on pricing, but when we know, you'll know. Great to see the DLC isn't being released on only one console, thanks Ubisoft for loving all your customers!
PRINCE OF PERSIA DLC UNVEILED [PSU]
Oh Atlus, you play with my heart. You take me on a roller coaster ride with every announcement. Last night it was Devil Summoner, and tonight you reveal a little bit of bad news about your upcoming DS release of Legacy of Ys: Book I and II. The game hit store two weeks later than the planned release date, meaning you'll have to wait until February 24th for your retro gaming fix. Now before you drown your sorrow in a battle of Bahama Mama, there is a bit of good news. Atlus is resurrecting their spoils program, a way to reward their fans with a little something extra.
"While we`re never eager to announce delays for our products," began Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Atlus, "we are incredibly excited to be able to upgrade the final release of Legacy of Ys to a premium boxed package. The soundtrack CD, once a bonus for pre-orders, is now going to be offered to everyone who picks up a copy from the game`s limited first print run."
Fine Atlus, I'll let you slide on this one. Now if you'd like to announce Persona 5 at some point in the next couple of weeks I can die a happy man... and then be brought back to life so I can actually play the game.
Check out the full release after the jump
No new XBLA games this week, but that sure as hell doesn't mean Xbox 360 owners aren't going to be the happiest campers this side of Campy Crystal Lake. First up we've got the exclusive (for about a week) demo of Resident Evil 5. I have no idea why I haven't downloaded this yet. I blame it on my busy schedule and not wanting to ruin one moment of what is sure to be another solid entry in this groundbreaking survival horror series. Let me know your thoughts on it, but please keep the debate away from who is hotter Chris or Leon, as we all know the real hottie will always be Billy from Resident Evil Zero. Also this week, fans of Fallout 3 will get a chance to take their brand of mutant whoop ass right up to Russia's neighbor with the release of the Operation Anchorage DLC. If there is a cameo by my person hero Sarah Palin, I'm packing my bags and will meet you all in Alaska. Bruce Springsteen comes to Guitar Hero free of charge, while the Grateful Dead have Rock Band smelling of a very specific herb. Mellow out man, it's a good week to own a 360.
Content: RESIDENT EVIL 5 Demo
Price: Free
Availability: This demo is available in all Xbox LIVE regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)] The demo version of RESIDENT EVIL 5. Play by yourself or play with a partner in co-op mode, either online or offline with a split screen.
Content: Fallout 3 Operation: Anchorage
Price: 800 Points
Availability: Not available in Japan
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (Mature) BLOOD AND GORE,INTENSE VIOLENCE,SEXUAL THEMES,STRONG LANGUAGE,USE OF DRUGS] Enter the simulation pod and embark on one of the greatest military campaigns of the Fallout universe - the liberation of Anchorage, Alaska from its Chinese Communist invaders. Experience harrowing winter combat using Fallout 3's patented V.A.T.S. targeting system, and employ powerful new equipment like the Gauss Rifle, Chinese Stealth Armor, Winterized T-51b Power Armor, and more. Enlist today, soldier! There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Hit the jump for music music music
Fans of the Shin Megami Tensei series should draw a heart around March 12th on their calendars. It will be on this day that Atlus releases Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon for the PS2. The sequel to 2006's Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army was always expected to see a North American release, and Atlus has finally taken our dreams and made them reality. Now comes the bad news. The game will only be offered in super duper ultra limited quantities so if you don't pick up the first one, you might be left out in the demonless cold. For some good news, each copy will come with an adorable Raiho plushie. I don't want to know what you plan to do with it, just never ever tell anyone.
For those unfamiliar with this branch of the MegeTen series, the Devil Summoner games feature real time combat with the protagonist able to summon demons to aid his battles against darkness. I picked up the first game a couple weeks ago, and am ready to overload on this series. The price has been set at $39.99, which may be a bit steep for PS2, but this is so worth it. So anyone else excited?
I love Burnout Paradise. I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it. If you've not purchased this game, go out and do so. I don't care if you hate racing games, I don't care if you don't own a current gen console and you'll end up using the game as some form of weapon during a home invasion. European console owners and North American PC owners now have even less of an excuse not to pick up the game. Criterion is releasing Burnout Paradise: Ultimate Box, which features the original game as well as every add-on that has been released since the game first hit shelves, this includes, new areas, new vehicles, and so much more. Releasing in the first week of February, gamers should collect their pennies to nab a copy of the game. If you don't want to wait, you can pick the game up then proceed to download the content. Either way you cut it, you want this game. Don't make me beg...
All right, full disclosure time. I really am not a fan of Fallout 3. I tried so hard to love the game, but instead found myself frustrated, annoyed, and oftentimes just flat out bored to tears by it. I feel I should be all defensive and say that I loved every minute of Oblivion (aside from the main quest) but everyone always does that... and I've just become one of those people. While I'm in the minority on this one, that doesn't mean people who loved the game don't have their own little criticisms over Bethesda's portal into post-apocalyptic Washington D.C. Our good friends over at the MTV Multiplayer Blog (Ok, not good friends, more like the people I stalk) have posed three of the game's main flaws to executive producer Todd Howard. Here's what he had to say:
Criticism: #1: "Fallout 3″ is just mediocre when judged as a first person shooter
Howard: Agreed.
Criticism #2: The ending isn't very satisfying and much shorter than other "Fallout" endings
Howard: Based on the feedback I've seen, most people are pissed off that it ends, not the 'ending' itself. Maybe that's one and the same, I don't know. That's another thing we're changing in DLC3 [downloadable content #3, "Broken Steel"]. We really underestimated how many people would want to keep playing, so that's probably the last time we'll do something like that.
Criticism #3: V.A.T.S. is boring once you're accurate enough to head shot everyone
Howard: Depends on what you find entertaining. I like to blow people's heads off, so, well, it never got old for me. I agree that the 'to hit chance' for head shots is probably too high.
One part of the game I actually did enjoy was the V.A.T.S. system. I think it was because the game slowed down to a much more manageable pace and since as a shooter it wasn't quite up to snuff, the additional system was needed. Also, as for number 2, I wished they would have asked why Bethesda is keeping their mouths shut on whether they'll allow for those people who bought the game on PS3 to ever expand their experience. Even if it wasn't the most popular console for the game, they are still your customers. What other questions would you have liked to see Howard answer?
Bethesda Reacts To Three Major 'Fallout 3′ Criticisms [MTV Multiplayer]
In honor of last week's Oscar nominations, this week's new release list has a touch of Hollywood in it. First up we've got Afro Samurai, based on the animated series of the same name. This sword slashing adventure game puts you in the role of Afro, a samurai setting out to avenge his father's death by challenging his killer, Justice. There is a whole bunch of stuff about headbands and robots and such, so fans of the series will find something to love. Afro's voice is done by Samuel L. Jackson (as it is in the series), so expect a whole bunch of words I can't repeat for fear of getting my mouth washed out with soap. Backing up Jackson is Hellboy himself Ron Pearlman and the woman behind Lady Deathstrike, Kelly Hu. Anyone else notice how much I love comic book films? If you're perhaps less interested in stylized Feudal Japan and more interested in the real history, then look into Nonunaga's Ambition: Iron Triangle, a strategy game that all but demands you be well versed in The Art of War and The Prince. Speaking of classic books, Coraline hits theaters in February, so of course the obligatory game tie-ins have arrived. Based on the Neil Gaiman story of a girl who is transported into a magical world, the games should at least hold you over until the movie, otherwise just read the book! I'd say something about Rygar: The Battle of Argus for the Wii, but I don't want to prejudge this game, and everything I've heard about it has been less than favorable. Oh well, better luck next time.
I can bet you've never heard of Cursed Mountain for the Wii. I say this because I've also never heard of it, until now, although it was originally announced back in July of last year. Thanks to a surprisingly well put together trailer we can now see a brand new Wii game in the works. The story seems to follow the lead character on a quest to locate his missing brother, a journey that will take him to the heart of the mountain! The voice-overs don't exactly inspire the same sense of mystery as the story. We've got a British dude and an older fellow who sounds like a really bad Splinter impersonation. Now are we looking at strict adventure, or a more survival horror approach. The jury is still out, but considering today was the first I've heard of the game, the trailer has me a tad bit hyped. Combining an intriguing mystery, some rather fine Wii visuals, and gameplay that looks to tap into the magic side of things, Cursed Mountain is a game to watch. Always good to see new IP's head to the console.
And girls who like girls who like rumble packs!
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