With the recent boom of video games and kids wanting to spend money on extra peripherals, like the Wii Fit, the Madcatz SE (read: POS) fightstick and enough Rock Band instruments to fill the GWAR roster, I thought I'd school some kids with a hilarious picture.
“I feel it’s a time where a lot of people who study games start to graduate and come into this field. It’s a really good time for all these people to really push the boundaries of what games can be. With digital distribution — PSN, Xbox Live, WiiWare, Steam — all those [avenues]…Before, everything sold through retail. You can’t even make a game that’s below a million dollar budget. I think right now — in the future, when people look back, I think it’s the renaissance of video games.”
Jenova Chen - cofounder of thatgamecompany
Rock Band 2 is already available on the PS3 & Xbox 360, and both the Wii and PS2 versions are to follow in December. With developer Harmonix striving to have a combined total of 500 songs available for the platform before year's end, they have officially revealed the 20 free songs available for those that purchase a new copy of the game. The songs will be available through a code printed on the back of the manual, and will release on November 4 for PS3/360 and the Wii version available at the game's launch. While the on-disc content went with songs from more popular artists, the free content instead goes with some nice up-and-coming bands. The list covers a diverse group of artists and genres, such as Japan's X Japan and Ireland's Lesley Roy. * The 88 - "Sons and Daughters"
* Authority Zero - "No Regrets"
* Between the Buried and Me - "Prequel To The Sequel"
* The Cab - "Bounce"
* The Chevelles - "Get It On"
* The Cocktail Slippers - "Give It To Me"
* Dealership - "Database Corrupted"
* Endeverafter - "I Wanna Be Your Man"
* The Ghost Hounds - "Ashes To Fire"
* Hollywood Undead - "Young"
* Kutless - "The Feeling"
* The Len Price 3 - "If I Ain't Got You"
* Lesley Roy - "I'm Gone, I'm Going"
* Opiate for the Masses - "Burn You Down"
* Semi-Precious Weapons - "Magnetic Baby"
* Shaimus - "Like a Fool"
* Thenewno2 - "Crazy Tuesday"
* Tickle Me Pink - "The Time Is Wrong"
* Underoath - "Desperate Times, Desperate Measures"
* X Japan - "I.V."
The musical genres range from metal to alternative to a little bit of rap rock and christian rock. While these artists may not have the notoriety and name recognition, many of the songs I sampled sounded fun to play. Songs like Semi-Precious Weapons' Magnetic Baby were very catchy and brings a lot of good exposure to these groups. The addition of X Japan was a pleasant surprise, although it probably helps that their latest track was sung in English. With news on the Japanese version of Rock Band remaining stagnant since its announcement, bringing over a famed Japanese artist is a good sign for possibly more Japanese music to come either as DLC or progress on Rock Band Japan. I'm a little disappointed they didn't bring over a couple of tracks that had more artist recognition, but fans of these indie groups should be delighted. And given that all of these songs are free, it's hard to be upset.
As the October 26 release date of Guitar Hero World Tour grows closer, it looks like both Harmonix and Activision are looking for ways to one-up each other. Both games are similar on the surface, but they take different approaches when it comes to releasing content. But the value of Rock Band 2 will be hard to beat, with over 100 songs available in the game alone and most RB1 disc songs and all DLC compatible with the title. The Wal-Mart exclusive release of the AC/DC Live Track Pack carries controversy over its bare-bones content, short song list, and $30/$40 price tag for Wii/PS2 and 360/PS3, but the game also allows for a one-time only export of songs for an additional 18 songs. With Guitar Hero focusing more on their GH Tunes platform, it'll be interesting to see how the sales for both games pan out.
The music/rhythm genre will soon be expanding to hip hop this spring when Genius Products, Genco Interactive and 7 Studios launches their new title, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ for the PS3 and Xbox 360. Much like how Rock Band and Guitar Hero gained influences from the original Japan-only Konami titles, GuitarFreaks and DrumMania, Scratch looks similar to Konami's turntable-based Beatmania. Harmonix, Activision, and even the lagging Konami have been sticking to the rock genre, but Scratch will hopefully further improve the formula that Beatmania created.
While Konami's new IP, Rock Revolution is looking very poor against Guitar Hero and Rock Band, Genius, Genco, and 7 Studios looks to really stand out against its predecessors and create a legitimate contender. Beatmania had a steep learning curve and limited library of electronic music, but Scratch will blaze its own path with a large hip hop influence. The developers are collaborating with famous hip hop producer Quincy Jones III and his QD3 Entertainment studio, who produced tracks for Tupac Shakur, LL Cool J, and even the score for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Based on released comments, QD3 sounds dedicated to utilize their experience in the music industry and hip hop to make the experience as authentic as possible. Although no specific names were revealed, the developer promises "original recordings from the catalogs of many top urban artists". The game looks to have a unique cel-shaded look with nightclubs, dancers, and b-boys creating a vibrant atmosphere along with other urban environments. Current titles have done a great job of representing rock music and its style, but Scratch sounds like a great chance to truly bring hip hop culture to life.
The 'Scratch Deck' turntable controller will be created by Numark, manufacturer of a variety of real-life DJ equipment. Based on screenshots, the controller should at least contain the familiar five colored buttons along with the turntable. What sets the gameplay apart from previous music/rhythm games is the ability to alter music tracks in real-time. The game will include the trademark rhythm patterns, but also allows you to "re-imagine songs on the fly and add [your] own creativity". Specifics have not been named, but hopefully it will be more than a simple freestyle section seen in older music/rhythm games. There appears to be some sort of career or story mode, as you choose a DJ personality and rise up from working garages to the biggest nightclubs.
There have been attempts to integrate hip hop culture into video games, but never quite like this. Get On Da Mic poorly attempted to do karaoke while the Def Jam series presented a very solid wrestling/fighter. The continued rise of hip hop music is a great opportunity to show gamers what the genre really has to offer in terms of interactive entertainment. With Activision trademarking 'DJ Hero' earlier this year for a possible new title, let's see if Harmonix or Konami provide any response.
Ever since Sony announced its new, free PS3 online service entitled PlayStation Home at the 2007 Game Developer's Conference, it has created a wide variety of reactions. Some raised eyebrows while others were excited by their bold new direction with the PS3's sub par online set up. However, numerous delays, face lifts, and focus shifts has diminished conversation and brought some skepticism. Touted as an alternative experience to Xbox Live, it has been called a copy of the Sims-like online game/service, Second Life. While Home has been misguided in its initial stages, it is finally shaping up to have some true potential. Focusing on the social aspect of meeting other gamers and launching games in exclusive title-specific game spaces, the PS3 may be the console to really foster a dynamic and active community. With the release of an open public beta promised before the end of the year, the console may finally start separating itself from the Xbox 360.
The Game Space will contain online bowling, pool, and arcade games to play and meet others with.
At first glance, PlayStation Home looks very similar to The Sims. You create a very customizable 3D avatar and have a virtual apartment you can take friends to and hang out. There are multiple places to travel to, including the Central Plaza, the Game Space, mall, a movie theater, and more on its way. Some may ask how any of this is relevant to playing games online, but PlayStation Home director, Jack Buser describes it perfectly."It's all about expanding the game experience. Expanding the gamer community. Every time we do anything, the first thing we ask ourselves is 'How does this expand the game experience? How does this enhance gameplay? How does it enhance existing or upcoming games?' That's our 'laser focus' with Home."
With this simple intention, the online console experience can change instantly. The success of the Wii's Mii avatars and the Xbox 360's upcoming avatars in the New Xbox Experience has shown that having a more tangible, virtual identity can really add to gaming, both online and offline. Home creates an avenue to easily connect with other PS3 users and communicate via voice headsets, keyboard, pre-programmed messages, or just simple emotive gestures. Initially planned with a focus on product placements, advertisements, and commercialism, Sony revamped Home's direction to focus more on game-related features. The service offers a multitude of areas to meet other users, view content, play arcade games, and more easily form online matches. The Game Space offers games such as online pool, bowling, or virtual arcade machines to more easily break the ice with other users and get to know them better rather than trying to gauge friendship only through brief gameplay interaction. The Central Plaza serves as the main hub of activity where many can come and socialize. The movie theater will screen various trailers with the possibility of longer content being displayed. Perhaps one of the more unique aspects of Home is that all sound is proximity-based. All voice conversations, music, video, or any other audio can be conducted without disturbance and feels more natural when moving through any area. The amount of personality and emotives available for each avatar could really add another layer of immersion and identity similar to other online communities or forums.
Multiple apartments will available with balconies and different views.
The idea of a virtual apartment and a mall to purchase clothing could be a fun distraction. Simply having a space to invite friends over for a more private discussion or to simply hang out in a more personal setting adds the social experience of MMO games. 
Navigation is streamlined via a virtual PSP that contains any contextual actions and a world map to warp to any location. A 2D world map will also be available that will show any expanded locations. But the ease of game launching and finding other online gamers is the main attraction. Rather than waiting in a game-specific lobby, online match settings can be set prior to launching the game and the avatar can seek other desired players or wait in exclusive third-party game areas. Titles such as Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Warhawk contain spaces created by the game developers themselves to allow fans to more easily meet others and discuss strategies or plans prior to playing. This pulls many of the community and gameplay aspects of titles like World of Warcraft to the PS3. Pulling together a group of people to play is now more than just a random name and picture within the game. Seeing a physical avatar attached to the voice or message and communicating strategy or other conversation outside of the game can make gameplay more enjoyable and help create a more robust list of true online friends.
PlayStation Home is currently in an extended closed beta phase, but it will still be hard to gauge how the general PS3 user base will react to the service. With the 'Web 2.0' initiative creating many social community websites such as MySpace or Facebook, Home looks like a great service that brings the same feel to the online gaming arena. The fact that it will remain free means users have nothing to lose by trying it. While some may not be looking for anything else beyond strictly playing games online, Home can be great for others looking for a little more to the experience.
Although the original Rock Band game launched less than a year ago, the sequel is going to launch on the Xbox 360 on September 14 with other platforms following before year's end. With Guitar Hero World Tour making their own full band additions to stay in competition, the battle for music/rhythm supremacy is starting to heat up. While both games can boast about their large song lists and new features, perhaps one of the more important improvements to look at are the new instruments. Many prefer the GH guitars over the RB Fender Stratocasters, and GH's new drum set with two elevated stock cymbals are making many gamers turn heads. However, Rock Band's new instruments are more than just a new paint job. With some smart forward-thinking in Harmonix's designs, they may tempt previous RB owners to shy away from the new Guitar Hero instruments and even contemplate getting the new ones.
The drum heads use a mix of silicone and plastic to create a drum head that should give more acoustically pleasing feedback and a more satisfying experience. The pedal is also metal-reinforced, which should prevent breaking. It also stays attached and flush with the drum set when lifted up and moved, which should make transportation easier. There are also marked height adjustments on the bars to make it easier for multiple people. The feet also have non-slip pads to prevent shifting while playing. But the most intriguing addition are the new expansion slots that allows up to three cymbals to be remapped from the drum pads. They will also emit an in-game cymbal sound to add to the realism. There will be a premium electric drum set made available from ION, but the new stock set sounds pretty good to me.
Images courtesy of GameSpot
The smaller, elevated fret buttons and metronome-like strum bar on the GH guitar were features that made it hard to go back to after playing the original RB guitar. The tilt sensor has also been improved and allows for a wider freedom of movement. Smaller changes like a stiffer, textured neck, removable headstock, and a screw-less battery door are small touches that make the guitar a more viable option. There will also be high-end third-party guitars made available as well as a larger amount of options.
E3 2008 has come and gone, and the overall sentiment throughout the video game community is a feeling of disappointment. Since changing from a large convention and media spectacle to a more intimate and industry-only affair last year, there have been accusations that E3 has lost its soul and excitement. Despite this, the final results are in for the winners of Best of E3 as decided by an independent group of journalists from 36 leading North American media outlets that cover the video game industry. Called the Game Critic Awards, they choose winners for The Best of E3 and Game of the Year. After being narrowed it down to a list of nominees in each category, I'm going to highlight the awards for the Best of Show, Best Original Game, Best Console Game, Best PC Game, and Best Handheld Game.
The Game Critics judges have representatives from each of these independent media outlets.
It's no wonder that Fallout 3 managed to snag not only Best of Show, but Best Role Playing Game as well. A post-apocalyptic action RPG, the series and its spin-offs have largely been known as a PC property. Originally developed by Interplay Entertainment, the next installment is being taken over by Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion developer, Bethesda Softworks. The Elder Scrolls series have heralded for their massive scope, size, and immersion, creating a fantasy action RPG with endless replayability. Bethesda are big fans of the Fallout franchise and are looking to stay very faithful while adding their own touches. One of the most interesting aspects of Fallout 3 is its deep story and universe. 
Taking place in a post-apocalyptic United States, the population lives in fallout shelters where growth, development, and living parameters are closely monitored and engineered for survival. As the main character ventures out into the upper wasteland in search of his father, various organizations and enemy factions will play a role in the bigger story and gameplay. Fallout 3 feels like an FPS but plays like a turn-based/real-time hybrid. Action points are utilized and players can target specific body parts. Add to that a robust skill system called "SPECIAL" and a karma system that affects the game's outcome based upon good or bad choices, and Fallout 3 is shaping up to be even better than Oblivion. The game will utilize its Mature rating to the fullest, showcasing the gore, carnage, and devastation in the nuclear wasteland. Scheduled to release this year for the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3, exclusive downloadable content will be released on both the PC and 360.
The Best Original Game category is one of the more important awards given at E3, as it shows off games that are trying to innovate and add new things to the gameplay experience. There was some pretty stiff competition, but first-person action-adventure game Mirror's Edge managed to pull ahead. Developed by Electronic Arts Digital Illusions CE (DICE), this new IP is much different from their FPS Battlefield franchise. What makes this game unique is not only the first-person perspective, but the amount of freedom and mobility available. 
Rather than traditional first-person controls, Mirror's Edge offers a wide range of actions and shows arms, legs, and torso in active movement or combat. Set amidst a conformist dystopia and totalitarian regime, the strict laws on communication has created a team of runners to relay messages while avoiding government interference. Main character Faith is one of these runners, as you see the game through her eyes as she interacts with the environment and goes through various obstacles in the city. Movement, momentum, and camera angles are closely tied to the character, with a focus on chaining moves together. "Runner Vision" aids in finding escape routes and alternate paths with "Reaction Time" a sort of slowed-down bullet time view that allows strategic planning without losing momentum. The lack of a HUD creates an even more immersive experience. Look for the game this November on the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3.
The category for Best PC Game seemed a little unfair, as many PC developers pulled out of E3 to avoid being overshadowed by their console brethren. But EA and Will Wright's Spore isn't new to E3, as it has been winning E3 awards since its debut in 2005. From the creator that brought the Sim games, Spore looks to bridge the gap between the casual and hardcore gamer in the self-proclaimed "massive single-player online game". Gameplay follows the evolution of a user-created species as it starts as a tiny organism all the way through civilization and space warfare. There are five phases in the game which Wright relates to a specific game type: cell (Pac-Man), creature (Diablo), tribal (Populous), civilization (SimCity), and space (Star Trek). After such a long wait, the creature creator has already been released in anticipation for its September 2008 release date on both Mac and PC. Handheld software has also been slowing down recently, with both the PSP and DS offering very limited selection in playable form. 
The PSP managed to pull out a win with its surprise announcement of Resistance: Retribution. While both Resistance 1 and 2 are both PS3 FPS games, Retribution is a third-person shooter that is looking to show off innovative controls that compensate for the lack of a second analog nub. An improved aiming and cover system will be implemented as well as a robust online system that features team deathmatch, capture the flag, and more. With new weapons and content not found in the console games, this may be the next must-have PSP title. While Resistance 2 is launching this year, Retribution won't release until Spring 2009.
LittleBigPlanet is a title that keeps on improving after each showing. Taking the crown of Best Console Game and Best Social/Casual/Puzzle Game, this PS3 exclusive title is being developed by Media Molecule. As the studio's first title, it's an impressive debut. First making its appearance at the Game Developer's Conference 2007, the game boasts its tagline, "Play. Create. Share." 
You create a personalized Sackboy or Sackgirl and traverse immense obstacle courses alone or with friends. The controls are very intuitive, utilizing the SIXAXIS motion sensing to move different parts of Sackboy and solve different puzzles and other goals. The Sackboys themselves are also very customizable, exuding tons of personality with a wide set of emotives at the user's disposal. There is a big focus on community and user-created content, as players can create their own stages and share them with others in a very robust stage creator. There is so much in the game and yet Media Molecule is still announcing innovative modes and features leading up to the public beta stage opening up in October 2008. While it sounds simple on paper, the charm and execution can be only explained by watching. This game definitely deserves to be watched.
E3 2008 didn't have that many surprises, but most everything shown was pretty solid. A lot of great games were looking even better, and this Holiday season looks to be packed with must-have titles. Most every company seemed to have something good to show off, while others had people scratching their heads. With a few game conventions still left to go this year, let's hope that it gets better than E3.
Courtesy of Penny Arcade
Resistance: Retribution is shaping up to be one of the bigger titles for the PSP.
That goes along with anticipated titles like PixelJunk Eden, Flower, and the impressive debut of the team-based multiplayer mayhem of Fat Princess. The official launch of their video rental/download service and of previous features such as in-game XMB menus and an achievement-like Trophy system shows that they're finally catching up to the feature set of the 360. You can even take video rentals and downloads on the road with the PSP, although you still can't directly access the store on the handheld. There still isn't a timeline on the often-delayed Home service, but it's starting to shape up into a useful community tool. And with a US line of ten Greatest Hits titles priced at $29.99, the PS3 is continuing to improve.
The upcoming PS3/PC MMO, DC Universe Online allows you to create a hero or villain and team up with the likes of Batman or the Joker.
The new wireless drum controllers will include the standard version (left) and the limited edition Ion drum kit (sold separately).
Harmonix has made Rock Band into a platform rather than a series of games, with current and future instruments as well as all DLC cross-compatible with both games. Boasting over 200 downloadable songs and full albums already available, the steady stream of weekly content will ensure satisfaction for owners of Rock Band 1 and the forthcoming Rock Band 2. News on the temporarily 360 exclusive RB2 has escalated leading up to E3 2008. There have been multiple reports on rumored song lists for RB2, which will include 80+ tracks on the disc alone, all confirmed to be master recordings. Here are the 17 songs officially confirmed so far.
Not only will this fall show off a fierce battle with new titles, Rock Revolution and Guitar Hero World Tour, but it looks like Harmonix is throwing their hats into the ring with a new entry in the Rock Band franchise. Not just settling for a sequel with a new song list, a slew of new features, online modes, and improvements have been made to the game as well as “quieter, more realistic, and more reliable instruments.” While GHWT can boast its music studio modes and additional drum cymbal, RB2 is looking to add much more. Although the game won’t make its debut until E3 2008 in a couple of weeks, it already sounds like they have been listening to the fans. The game is slated to release in September on the Xbox 360 for an “exclusive launch window” with other unspecified platforms coming before the end of the year.
Images courtesy of IGN.com
There is speculation that this gameplay screenshot depicts Nirvana's "Drain You".Agent OrangeTeasdale wouldn’t say which bands are in the game, but there have been rumors that companies like Harmonix, Apple, and Activision have been involved in negotiations about digital releases of The Beatles catalog. The absence of new Weezer song, “Pork and Beans” in the latest DLC three-pack just recently released could also mean its inclusion in Rock Band 2. With other longtime desired groups like Journey and Led Zeppelin in the list of possible included bands, the RB2 setlist may really be one of the best ones yet. Outside of their music editor suite, it looks like Activision is mostly copying ideas for Guitar Hero, With Harmonix, it looks like they may really be providing some innovative ideas. Look for more details around E3 2008 in a couple of weeks. Read more...
The Beatles
Built to Spill
The Buzzcocks
Journey
Led Zeppelin
Modest Mouse
Pavement
The Replacements
Tool
If you haven't heard of the game or series, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is the much anticipated title in the Metal Gear series. The original games had its start on the internationally popular MSX system, but was later ported and reworked on the NES. The Metal Gear Solid series is what most are familiar with, which started on the original PlayStation. Since then, the series has been known for its amazing stealth action gameplay, immersive storyline, and movie-like production quality. MGS4 has been touted as the definitive game in the series and the end of main character Solid Snake's story. With fantastic production values and movie-style trailers, the game is looking pretty good. It looks like series creator Hideo Kojima, Konami, and Sony delivered on their promises and presented one of the first true "killer apps" and must-have exclusive titles for the PS3.
With both standard and limited editions available as well as an 80GB MGS4 PS3 bundle, this may be the game to convince naysayers, doubters, and PS2 faithful to pick up the console. I haven't had a chance to go hands-on yet, but I'll give you a preview of some reactions from popular video game critics.
IGN: 10
Is it possible to give a game an 11? If so, this would be the game that would merit that score. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is a title that exceeds all of the hype that was attached to the title.
GamePro: 10
The Playstation 3 finally gets its "savior", Kojima gets his masterpiece, and gamers get one of the best games of all time. [July 2008, p.72]
Playstation - The Official Magazine (US): 10
If you come to the game with no prior MGS knowledge, you'll still uncover one of the most absorbing stories ever told. [July 2008, p.38]
1UP: 9.1
The MGS4 conundrum is this: The further you play into the game, the less you actually play. Surrendering so much control to make way for movie sequences is galling, especially when the dialogue makes such a big deal about freedom and free will...Despite this gradual decay, though, MGS4 is absolutely a great game. The second half may lack sorely in comparison to the innovative, immersive brilliance of the first, but only because those early portions reach such inspiring heights.
GameSpy: 9
What's perhaps most impressive is the way you'll feel about Snake by the end of the game (be sure to watch through the credits!). His character is fleshed out here more than any of the other games combined, and seeing him during his quiet moments with Otacon and Sunny gives him a lot more depth than we previously thought possible.
Final Fantasy XIII is one of the most anticipated RPGs for the current generation of consoles.
The current generation console war tells a different story in each region. While just about every region shows the Nintendo Wii on top, the battle between the Xbox 360 and PS3 is a bit different. Europe and Japan show bigger sales of the PS3, while North America has the Xbox 360 in a wider lead. Each console is known for their specialized genres, and the PS2 is still the leader in traditional console RPGs. While consumers assumed this to carry over to the PS3, its smaller user base and more difficult development issues have caused many games to go multi-platform or exclusive to other consoles. Despite PS3's popularity over the 360 in Japan, many RPGs are going exclusive to Microsoft's console either indefinitely or after a set period of time.
Valkyria Chronicles is developed by Sega and features a unique cel-shaded look and action/strategy gameplay.
Only a handful of RPGs have seen release on the PS3, and most of them have not been released outside of Japan. Western RPG, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was developed by Bethesda and its port to the PS3 arrived with critical acclaim and a polished feel. Bethesda also took over the reins to action RPG Fallout 3, which will arrive at the end of the year on both platforms. Mediocre RPGs, Enchanted Arms and Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom came early on in the PS3's life cycle and were disappointments. Since then, other forthcoming titles are scarce. Eternal Sonata has already been released on the Xbox 360, but the PS3 port looks to be Japan-only. It follows the dream world to music composer and pianist Frederic Chopin, and features unique music-themed elements and soundtrack. The much anticipated Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Versus XIII aren't set to release until 2009 at least, and the Sony-published White Knight Chronicles has yet to see an official release date outside of a rough 2008 time frame. Another exclusive PS3 release is the action/strategy RPG Valkyria Chronicles, which looks to provide a unique experience with its varied gameplay and cel-shaded look. It has already been released in Japan, with a Fall 2008 release scheduled for other regions. PS3 exclusive Disgaea 3 : Absence of Justice is coming from famed strategy RPG developer Nippon Ichi and will include a customizable pre-order bonus soundtrack.
Mass Effect gained mainstream media attention for its sexual content.
Despite the Xbox 360 being primarily seen as an FPS-heavy console with games like Halo 3 and Gears of War, it is becoming the console of choice for both traditional and western RPGs. The US-developed console already saw great western-style RPGs on the original Xbox with Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Fable, and Jade Empire as some of the major exclusive titles. With the 360, Mass Effect and the forthcoming Fable 2 have already created a lot of buzz and hype. Microsoft hasn't left out traditional RPGs, with Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey both created by former Final Fantasy developers and Eternal Sonata exclusive to the 360 outside of Japan.
Square Enix is known for its lavish RPG titles such as Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, and Dragon Quest.
However, the biggest news comes from famous RPG developer Square Enix. Known for their popular RPG series like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, console development has been announced for some forthcoming titles. Star Ocean: The Last Hope is the fourth game in the series and will see release on the Xbox 360 only. Square Enix has said it is only "for now", but this will be the first game in the series that hasn't been released on a Sony console. A new IP called The Last Remnant is confirmed to be multi-platform, but will be out on the Xbox 360 first with a PS3 version coming sometime later. Another exclusive Square title called Infinite Undiscovery is being touted as 'true RPG evolution', with real time changes and discoveries.
Although the PS3 is the technologically superior machine, the Xbox 360 has locked in developers with its easier development, larger US fanbase, and paid exclusives. As development costs continue to rise for major disc releases, multi-platform games will most likely become the norm. But with the PS3 still trying to find its place and ease development issues, this exclusivity trend will continue to rise. While the Xbox 360 is still plagued with hardware problems and the infamous "Red Ring of Death", the robust 3-year warranty has seemed to ease this problem in consumers' minds. These exclusivity battles are disappointing, as this current generation makes it more expensive and difficult to support every console. This is only good news for the Xbox 360, but some unfortunate blows to the PS3 and the underpowered Wii.
Activision simply doesn't get it. Since taking over Guitar Hero from original developer Harmonix, they have used the brand as a cash cow with celebrity endorsements, product placements, and sequels galore. While Harmonix has kept things simply about the music with Rock Band's gameplay, formula, and weekly song downloads, Activision is the exact opposite. Any company's bottom line is profit, but you don't see that passion and overall music knowledge Harmonix infused into Guitar Hero and now Rock Band. With most of their staff also acting as part-time musicians and apart of local bands in Boston, you could see why and how they made Guitar Hero so successful. From the atmosphere to the note charts, it just felt genuine.
Since Activision officially took over the series in 2007, they have been taking advantage of their new title with many sequels and spin-offs. After releasing Guitar Hero III, a portable DS version called Guitar Hero: On Tour and another guitar-based expansion for all major consoles entitled Guitar Hero: Aerosmith will see release this summer. Cheap cash-ins such as the small electronic key chain game Guitar Hero Carabiner have also taken advantage of the brand name. And to top it all off, they are basically borrowing Rock Band's proven success and current formula and incorporating the GH name in Guitar Hero World Tour. Don't get me wrong, GHWT looks like a good game in the increasingly crowded music/rhythm genre. But their lack of cooperation to allow instrument compatibility across rival games shows how greedy they are. With the slew of new drum sets on the way, they are determined to force consumers to choose where their loyalties and hard-earned cash lie.
Guitar Hero World Tour's current interface looks very similar to Rock Band.
And Activision is recruiting even more celebrities to their Guitar Hero PR bandwagon. This video from the All Things Digital 6 conference shows Activision CEO Robert Kotick bringing out American Idol judge Paula Abdul and Tony Hawk from their skateboarding franchise to judge and play the game live. The video does show some of the first in-game footage, which looks similar in layout to Rock Band. The host takes a jab at Kotick by mentioning Rock Band, but I can't help but feel like Activision is being disingenuous. With these music games following the same basic premise, you can't really help the similarities that will arise. But their attitude about the subject is what's bothersome. Rather than giving credit to their predecessors or even a sly reference to competition, they instead act like they created this revolutionary new idea to simulate a realistic band experience. While Konami's Rock Revolution looks weaker than Guitar Hero or Rock Band, I can at least respect what they're doing and their somewhat unique approach. It just seems like Guitar Hero is losing its integrity.
However, the bottom line is whether or not the games are fun. If they can make their many spin-offs into enjoyable, worthy experiences, then their business tactics shouldn't matter in the bigger picture. Their release of Call of Duty 4 has earned the game numerous awards and was the top-selling game worldwide in 2007. If all of these Guitar Hero sequels turn out to be great experiences, then that is all that should matter. But it looks like Activision wants gamers to either be broke, litter their living rooms with fake instruments, or choose sides & create divisions within the community much like the console wars.
2K Games has officially announced the release of BioShock on the PS3 via press release, slated for an October 2008 release date. As I mentioned before, BioShock is more than just another FPS game. Described as a "genetically enhanced" story-driven action game, 2K Games president Cristoph Hartmann has revealed the addition of new features and content to the game.
"Over the coming months we look forward to revealing the new features and content that will make this a must-have game for its new audience, as well as for those who enjoyed it on the other platforms."
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