Microsoft's conference is done, tons of information and a bunch of cool stuff announced. I was pleasantly surprised. Some of the stuff I found interesting.
Last FM for Xbox
Microsoft Motion Sensor Natal (lmao Sega activator)
Metal Gear Rising (Raiden May Cry? Ninja Raiden? Shinraiden?)
Left 4 dead 2
New Halo's (totally called it)
Timed Modern Warfare 2 Map packs
Games on demand service for XBL
Edit -- Watching EA press conference now on G4 and just wanted to point something Ironic.
Back in the day EA was putting out shit games and making mad cash. Now EA is putting out new interesting IP's and loses billions and lays off thousands.
=/
donkeybeatz
Jun 1 2009, 02:56 PM
Also Twitter and Facebook integration on xbl. I like the tagline for Metal Gear Rising: "Lightning bolt action"
Crushinator
Jun 1 2009, 03:05 PM
Wait, what did they say about L4D2? Deeeeemn.
Edit: Oh I saw it. New survirors, and the last stage is in New Orleans. Donkeybeatz cameo confirmed?
AC9breaker
Jun 2 2009, 11:11 AM
OMFG NINTENDO MEGABOMB RIGHT NOW. ITAGAKI AND METROID AHHHHHHHHHHHH
Edit: Ooops. Team Ninja and Samus. Forgot no more Itagaki.
AC9breaker
Jun 2 2009, 12:06 PM
So yeah Nintendo conference was weak sauce. Crushinator totally called it. Boring with a few bones thrown to core gamer in the Form of Mario games and Golden Sun for the DS. Metroid however added a little meat to that bone so good stuff. I mean it was still better then Ubisofts conference.
Crushinator
Jun 2 2009, 01:12 PM
Shit man, that new metroid is megaton, though. And i'm totally psyched for mario galaxy 2. I was putting money on them announcing a new Wii zelda title, but i'm more than happy for Galaxy 2.
AC9breaker
Jun 2 2009, 02:38 PM
wow, Sony Eye toy motion sensor looks to be exactly what I wanted the Wii controller to be.
God of War demo looked awesome.
Uncharted 2 looks amazing and I think sleeper hit of PS conference was the Modracer gamer. Looks like what Excitebike would look like if it was brought to current gen consoles.
Wiryu
Jun 2 2009, 02:53 PM
Monster hunter freedom unite. I can dig it.
Knightsword
Jun 2 2009, 08:54 PM
FF XIV announced for PS3 and PC. Its FF XI 2 for reals
Scan_Man
Jun 3 2009, 10:57 PM
Nintendo continues to prove they are on crack by alienating their hardcore fans. What the hell? Another attachment accessory that checks your pulse? Now I can find out if I am having a heart attack after playing Wii Sports. Yippee.
Mario Galaxy 2 is a surprise. Rare we get two Mario games in one console generation. So this tells me if this was the N64 days Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 would have been one complete game. But damn Galaxy was excellent. I'm amazed that it now seems it was not "finished" in order to make the release date. I feel kind of cheated for not getting a whole new themed Mario game. But hell bring on some more Galaxy.
FFXIV hell yes! Though only for the simple fact that with WoW with its firm grip on the MMO market maybe we will get a FF Online game that is a lot faster and easier to pick up. This is wishful thinking on my part because I think if it had the speed and feel of FFXII battle system it would be more enjoyable. I never liked the stand in place and beat on a rabbit for 5 min like its a freakin boss. From the trailers though it looks like FFXI 2. No idea why they would not change the art direction. . . But I hear it is going to be free to play. So that is a plus if it turns out that way.
Castlevania: Lord of Shadow looks awesome! But can they get it right? Its a big mystery to me on how Metroid series makes the jump to 3D and still retains the Metroid feel. But the 3D Castlevania games feel like Devil May Cry/Onimusha/God of War rip offs. But maybe that is what Konami wants for those games? Of cours we will always have what has become the true Castlevania experience on DS. But Kojima and his studio has a hand in this, and Kojima is among the gaming gods, so I have faith. Castlevania is in my top 5 for favorite series of games.
And OMG! New Metroid! It looks like they trying to add the God of War flavor too. I keep thinking its going to be Metroid vs Castlevania with these two new games. Bring it on! I always imagined Samus kicking ass like that anyway.
LOL at FF7 coming on PSN. Square please stop kicking us in the balls. Release the damn remake already.
Alisha
Jun 5 2009, 01:44 PM
im pleased that for the new ff online they didn't do something stupid like have viera and banga. its hard to get to excited yet though i think the intro to ffxi was better.
From what I've read about the game it certainly has me interested. I really did enjoy the FFXI class system and since it seems they're going for a more casual gamer, this one may actually be good and I'm most likely gonna give it a try once the game drops.
Also
QUOTE
A member of the Japanese press asked about the game's graphics engine. The Square Enix staff explained that the trailer showed both pre-rendered and in-game engine sequences. Specifically, the scene with the Galka fighting is processed real-time in-game. This gives players a good first glimpse to how the graphics will look in the game.
That's quite impressive but I'm highly suspicious of the claim.
Also Scan where did you hear free to play? Your homies with Nobuo Uematsu????
Crushinator
Jun 5 2009, 02:41 PM
Yeah, if you watch the video in HD, you can clearly see which parts are pre rendered and which are real time. The galka fight is definetly real time.
An MMO with that level of graphics will certainly be a feat. TREY 4 LYFE.
I like how we all hate FFXI, but we're chomping at the bit to play FF14
HC82
Jun 5 2009, 07:27 PM
QUOTE(Crushinator @ Jun 5 2009, 02:41 PM)
I like how we all hate FFXI, but we're chomping at the bit to play FF14
We all want to play a good MMO, including FFXIV. FFXI was like the true mmorpg AT experience that never really came to together for everyone. It was at a weird time during the AT, and quite frankly was an alienating experience for me personally. The game is more old-school MMORPG styled and thus, segregates players by levels, class make-up, and gear in a more stringent way, unlike PSO. Also unlike WoW, soloing is out of the question, so waiting to get into a PT, adds to the mundane experience of playing outside a dedicated crew. Why play a game by yourself with drudgerious level-grinding and lame strangers? The strict, or more traditional mmo nature of FFXI made for a super casual fail. I had plenty of MMO experience beforehand and for me it was more of same, which is fine if you've got your crew to play with, but not so fine if your crew is 3 months away through laborious grinding.
The new FFXIV must learn from WoW, not in terms of game play, but in making sure the game has a strong casual backbone, so you can pick-up and play, whenever and however.
Scan_Man
Jun 5 2009, 07:28 PM
QUOTE(AC9breaker @ Jun 5 2009, 02:25 PM)
From what I've read about the game it certainly has me interested. I really did enjoy the FFXI class system and since it seems they're going for a more casual gamer, this one may actually be good and I'm most likely gonna give it a try once the game drops.
Also
QUOTE
A member of the Japanese press asked about the game's graphics engine. The Square Enix staff explained that the trailer showed both pre-rendered and in-game engine sequences. Specifically, the scene with the Galka fighting is processed real-time in-game. This gives players a good first glimpse to how the graphics will look in the game.
That's quite impressive but I'm highly suspicious of the claim.
Also Scan where did you hear free to play? Your homies with Nobuo Uematsu????
Heard from the site that is all things MMO: mmosite.com. But it turns out they made an error in their reporting. It will be pay to play. Oh well. Having a subscription for a new MMO these days with WoW around automatically sets the game up for failure. Microtranaction is the way to go if a company wants to have a chance in the MMO market. Sure it will be good, and will have everyone from FFXI; which is still doing well. But should be great since they trying to make it more casual.
I was hoping if they ever did another Online game the character design would be something different. That is what I expect from each Final Fantasy game. That while the FF elements are there, each has its own unique look and feel.
FFXIII is looking sexier with each new trailer released. I'm calling it now. This one will be the true successor to FF7. The boss theme is the most kicks ass thing I've heard in this series in a long time too.
tanshin
Jun 6 2009, 11:13 AM
I like that the characters are going to be similar to the ones in FFXI. I'd be really sad if I couldn't remake little Tansii, ya know?
But its nice to read that Square Enix as apparently learned a lot of stuff from FFXI. Looks like PC users will no longer have to deal with the limitations of the PS2 on their system, no more PlayOnline (thank god), and if I can get on the game for like an hour before I have to go to work, and still have gotten something significant done, then great! It shouldn't take 3 hours just to switch jobs, gather a party, move equipment around, get to a location, wait for everyone, and only THEN be ready to make a little experience. For how bad a lot of things were in FFXI, I hope they are that much better in FFXIV.
Scan_Man
Jun 6 2009, 10:11 PM
Indeed. I hope the UI is something that gets fixed. The whole macro thing was clunky. We need a hotbar to drag and drop abilities. And no more of the sit and rest for Hp/mp in between fights. Since when is FF like that? FF is faster paced. I really hope they overhaul the battle system. Even turn base using the ATB could work if done right. And it would actually feel like a FF game. Maybe even allow for a strategy element to the game instead of the usual tank and spank. Still, FFXIV has a ton of potential. I hope with WoW's dominance they make smart gameplay changes. I tell you PC players are not going to move over to this game if they already playing WoW. Only fans, and current players of FFXI will. Really hard to convince someone playing WoW to pay for another MMO, when WoW is so damn good right now (I did not think it was so good after Burning Crusade was released, but Lich King is total win). And I'm sure WoW will be rolling into another expansion when around FFXIV release.
I will try it of course. But it will take a lot for me to stay. If they do what LOTRO did and offer a lifetime sub for 200ish dollars that would be awesome. I just don't see myself paying more than a month unless its a WoW killer. Subscriptions are really dead unless you are WoW. Its a shame really. Like Star Wars Old Republic is coming out. It looks interesting, but it will be ignored for the most part by the current MMO player base.
Alisha
Jun 7 2009, 02:38 PM
for those that don't keep up SE has been doing a lot of things over the last year or so that seem like experimenting for the next mmo. for example someone mentioned level segregating. that is no longer an issue due to the level sync feature they added.
QUOTE
Heres some nice information from the gents at IGN:
What platforms is Final Fantasy XIV coming to? Currently the game is confirmed for PlayStation 3 and Windows PC. An Xbox 360 version isn't official, but Square Enix is considering the possibility that it could.
What do we know about the setting and the story? It takes place on an all-new Final Fantasy world known as "Eorzea." Though it does share some monsters and races from Final Fantasy XI, they're not direct representations and have been altered in multiple ways that make them unique to Eorzea. The similarities in races will allow experienced Final Fantasy XI players to create a new Final Fantasy XIV character that looks somewhat comparable.
Does it have a direct connection to Final Fantasy XI? In some ways, yes it does. Not only does it share the same development team as the FF11, but the game will also allow players to create a character that is similar to their current Final Fantasy XI. Square Enix has also revealed to IGN that it is currently finding a solution that will let you transfer your character's names from Final Fantasy XI to Final Fantasy XIV.
What is the combat system like? The development team won't say, but it did confirm to us that... Additionally, the heavy team-play aspect of FF11 has been deemphasized, and now exploration and battle is said to be more balanced between solo and team play.
How does the leveling system work? Square Enix is cagey about how characters advance, but it has confirmed with IGN that growth is not based on experience and that it will work on a different system entirely.
What about jobs? Jobs will return in Final Fantasy XIV, but they will be much different than the job system present in Final Fantasy XI.
How important are the weapons? Weapons are very important and have a heavy influence on your character and how they succeed in the game world. Square Enix says to look closely at the official Final Fantasy XIV logo for hints and hidden meanings about how the game will work.
What hidden meanings? Square Enix told us that when it approached Amano to do the logo art for Final Fantasy XIV, that weapons were very important and to think of the concept of a "wheel." Specifically, a wheel of adventurers that has their weapon in front of them and an exposed backside -- which leaves each adventurer to rely heavily on their comrades and their friends. Let the speculation begin.
Anything else about the weapons? The team let slip to us that choosing weapons for specific tasks one day versus another could affect how your character develops.
How much of the first trailer is in-game aversus pre-rendered? The debut trailer is actually a mixture of real-time in-game footage and pre-rendered wizardry. The combat scene in particular was created using the in-game engine.
What languages will the game available in? The same as Final Fantasy XI: Japanese, English, French and German. Final Fantasy XIV will also be released simultaneously in all regions that use those languages.
Will the PlayOnline service be used for Final Fantasy XIV? No. Square Enix told us that the reason it is ditching the PlayOnline system is because it was originally meant as an all-in-one solution to house multiple content types. But as PlayOnline has offered less content over the years, the need for the next online Final Fantasy to us PO is moot. Whatever new service (if any) is used, PC and PlayStation 3 users will still be able to play with each other on the same servers, and Square Enix also confirmed with IGN that you can sign in with a universal ID on either system to pick up where you left off if you own both.
Who's Working on the Game? It is produced by Hiromichi Tanaka (Final Fantasy I, II, III, and IX) and directed by Nobuaki Komoto (Final Fantasy IX, XI), with art direction by Akihiko Yoshida (Vagrant Story, Final Fantasy XII) and a musical score from Nobuo Uematsu (Most Final Fantasies ever). Yoaka Amano has designed the logo and is pulling additional art duties as well.
Uematsu only did a few tracks in Final Fantasy XI, how much is he doing for XIV? Square Enix revealed to IGN that Uematsu will be doing all the music for Final Fantasy XIV and that it will be composed in a range of different styles and genres.
What modern day MMOs have influenced the design and direction of Final Fantasy XIV? In addition to the team's original work on Final Fantasy XI, World of Warcraft, Age of Conan and Warhammer Online have been three recent games that have had some pull, but the Final Fantasy XI community's feedback has been the most important factor in its design.
Are Chocobos back? Yes, they will return. But Square Enix has told IGN that it is looking at using them in a completely different way than they were used in Final Fantasy XI (where they were used as riding steeds).
When is it coming out and when is the beta? The game will come out in 2010, and after Final Fantasy XIII which is scheduled for spring of the same year. Beta plans are still being finalized, but that the plan is to have a longer beta period than that of Final Fantasy XI (which had a beta of about 3-4 months).
QUOTE
growth is not based on experience and that it will work on a different system entirely.
judging by this i wonder if it will be like monster hunter where growth is based on your equipment.
Scan_Man
Jun 8 2009, 04:18 PM
Nice info. Akihiko Yoshida is win though. I take back what I said about art direction, and wait until I see more. No experience? Fine if it works, cause I hate leveling in MMOs. But something tells me its going to be earn skill points to buy skills like FFXII or something similar to WoW's talent system. Promoting solo play is also win. I've played with enough idiots back in FFXI and in WoW to loath the idea of being forced to party.
Alisha
Jun 9 2009, 05:55 PM
the thing about partying is ....it's a blast when you are in one but it totally sucks when you aren't.
Crushinator
Jun 9 2009, 08:44 PM
QUOTE(Alisha @ Jun 9 2009, 05:55 PM)
the thing about partying is ....it's a blast when you are in one but it totally sucks when you aren't.
DarkEpyon
Jun 11 2009, 06:22 AM
It's great when you're in a GOOD one. Otherwise, you can't wait to get out of there and don't care what happens to them once you're gone. Had one of those train wreck merit parties the other night in fact.
Alisha
Jun 12 2009, 05:58 PM
never had a bad merit party personally. closest thing to a bad merit party is ones where i'm pulling the weight offensively for the party,and subbing war. especially if a red mage happens to be my heal bitch. cure 4 is too weak when your healing for a mnk/war. by the war crush that gif is pretty funny because it reminded me of times when you guys had a set party and i was crying because i had to level war sub in the doom jungle and wasn't getting any invites.
Crushinator
Jun 12 2009, 07:15 PM
QUOTE(Alisha @ Jun 12 2009, 05:58 PM)
by the war crush that gif is pretty funny because it reminded me of times when you guys had a set party and i was crying because i had to level war sub in the doom jungle and wasn't getting any invites.
What does that have to do with Optimus Prime or slam dunks?
How did that remind you of one night where you couldn't get a party on ffxi like 5 years ago?
Alisha
Jun 15 2009, 05:34 PM
cause the guy getting dunked on is like" noooooo your leaving me behind!"
Alisha
Jun 21 2009, 05:39 PM
quit making fun of me on the podcast =P don't think i didn't hear that comment about non alisha gamers a while back. if i ever manage to find a job i'll join in and smack you!!!
HC82
Jun 21 2009, 09:46 PM
QUOTE(Alisha @ Jun 21 2009, 05:39 PM)
quit making fun of me on the podcast =P don't think i didn't hear that comment about non alisha gamers a while back. if i ever manage to find a job i'll join in and smack you!!!
Crush just misses you a whole lot and is frustrated he can't play with you. That's why he makes fun of you and pokes at you all the time.
Feel the luv!!!
AC9breaker
Jun 22 2009, 12:04 AM
QUOTE(HC82 @ Jun 21 2009, 11:46 PM)
QUOTE(Alisha @ Jun 21 2009, 05:39 PM)
quit making fun of me on the podcast =P don't think i didn't hear that comment about non alisha gamers a while back. if i ever manage to find a job i'll join in and smack you!!!
Crush just misses you a whole lot and is frustrated he can't play with you. That's why he makes fun of you and pokes at you all the time.
Feel the luv!!!
This is totally true since we've actually scientifically deduced that Alisha is Crushinators mom. It is also a well known fact that Crush is a mommas boy.
Alisha
Jun 22 2009, 08:28 AM
that may be true but this latest time D was the guilty culprit D: if i have to go another month without working i think i'm gonna go insane. getting sick of my ramen diet lately >_<
Crushinator
Jun 22 2009, 03:09 PM
Ah HA! So you DO listen to the show. Now you have no recourse but to come on and defend yourself.
Vitamin D
Jun 22 2009, 04:01 PM
Hahaha I always did wonder if you actually listened to the podcast. There's a confirmation if I've ever seen one. As Crush alluded to though, you can prevent a lot of the teasing if you hop on the show haha. Even Solid Snake himself requested your presence you know.
Alisha
Jun 24 2009, 11:20 AM
i havent heard them all. i think i've heard 1-7 and 19-21. been listening to them on my psp.
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