Independent Gamer Blog: Price Cuts.

In this article I talk about price cuts and if they're worth the wait.

There's one thing I do not understand about the gaming industry and not because I don't know much about it I do but it just keeps baffling me. I'm talking about of course price cuts. When a company like Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo decide to announce price cuts consoles move faster than before and a year later a new price cut is announced and therefore more consoles are selling. I know people want to save money but, the same people are missing out on the platform for an entire year to save $50. So are price cuts really worth it?

In 2005, Microsoft released its Xbox 360 console worldwide with a price point of $299 and $399. Throughout that time we have seen many different SKU's with new chips that make the console run cooler and diminish the chances of the Red Ring of Death which affected a good 33% of heavy users and I'm sure the number could increase if everyone used their systems heavily. It's 2011 and there's 2 new SKU's for the Xbox 360. The first SKU sells for $199 and the second one sells for $299. So in 6 years the console dropped $100 and people are purchasing the console. Sure Microsoft added Wi-Fi and a new design but if you look at the old design the least it sold for was $150 and that was the arcade version. We still had the Elite and the premiums which still sold for $299 and above and even now we have Limited Editions console's selling for $399. 

The Playstation 3 launched in 2006 with a price point of $500 and $600 which I still think it's the better deal because it's backwards compatible with 100% of the PS2 and PSone library. The PS3 received a price cut of about $500 and $400 and now we have the PS3 slim which retails for $299 and $349 minus the backwards compatibility. In 5 years we have seen the console's price drop almost half of what it normally launched with. Besides the design, newer chips and Hard Drive nothing much has changed. It's still the same console that launched back in 2006.

The Wii also launched in 2006 is the most disappointing console of all 3 because up to date it has only received a $50 price cut from $249 to $199. It's been 6 years and there has almost been no change. I'm sure the Wii only costs Nintendo $50 or less to make. The Wii should have been $150, 3 years ago. 

My point is that it takes years for consoles to drop price and if you're waiting for a price cut for a console, you might as well purchase and enjoy your console as early as possible. The only time I gave in to a price cut is when I purchased the Xbox 360 Arcade from target when they had it on sale for $129 with a $30 gift card. If you would have purchased a PS3 or 360 last year you could have enjoyed either console for 1 year. Yes a $50 price cut is great but that's only the price of a game. 

If you already put it in your mind, if it's already stuck in there that you are going to get a console then you might as well get it because it's going to be a long time before there is a price cut. If you don't have the cash save up and then get it. If you do not need it or want a console but decide to buy one down the line then sure why not. But if you ask me if you are certain that you want a console, work out your budget and get it. It's better than getting it a year for now only to get a $50 discount.

Conduit 2 Multiplayer Video.

Sony Dropping PSP Price.

With the NGP, sony hopes to move some handheld consoles before the switch.


With the 3DS coming to the US in March and the NGP releasing later on this year, Sony is trying to move some PSP devices before they discontinue the handheld system. Effective Feb 27, 2 days from now, All stores will be selling PSP's at the discounted price of $129.99 and bundled PSP systems at $159.99. You will also be seeing a line of greatest hits titles with a price point of $19.99. These titles are: "Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines," "Dissidia Final Fantasy," "LittleBigPlanet PSP," "Metal Solid Gear: Peace Walker," "Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters," "Resistance: Retribution," and "Toy Story 3.

On top of that you will also see some titles for $9.99. These titles are:  "Crisis Core-Final Fantasy VII," "Daxter," "Monster Hunter Freedom Unite," "Killzone: Liberation," "Socom U.S. Navy Seals: Fire Team Braov," and "Tomb Raider Anniversary."

Sony Wrote in its blog: "Since launching in 2005, the PSP platform has had a profound impact on the way we play games while on-the-go, pushing the boundaries for cross-media entertainment and setting the benchmark for quality for portable games – not to mention selling 23 million* units to date in North America and more than 67 million worldwide. Today we’re very excited to announce that the PSP-3000 system will be available for a new low price of $129.99 (MSRP) starting February 27, 2011, offering its greatest value to date. In addition, going forward PSP Entertainment Packs will be available for $159.99 (MSRP); bringing you everything you need to experience the PSP system and an even better value." 


No word on the PSP Go yet if it will receive a price drop. The PS3 is also expected to get a price drop as well. To celebrate the PSP's price drop Sony is launching an Ad campaign that will hope to attract new customer.




Source

Hyperdimension Neptunia PS3 Review

A Review of the JRPG that's sure to please Anime fans.

Welcome to Celestia, a place where the size of your breast determines your rank and your place in life. This game was definitely not written by a man and is not intended for Men. This game is intended Teenagers because it's rated T for Teen. Hyperdimension Neptunia is a JRPG where you assume the role of Neptune in a world created by a computer gone mad. What was the name of that computer that was recently on Jeopardy? Watson? Maybe he has something to do with this. The world has been divided into 4 regions and is now up to Neptune to save Histoire and restore order to the world.

 

The story starts with Neptune in her world of Celestia, She is a goddess who is sent to Gamindustri or as I like to call it Earth. She loses her memory but regains it back when she meets up with Compa a nurse in training who wishes to help Neptune save Histoire. The beginning of the game is very slow as the story is put into place by the cast. The world below is being run by monsters and Neptune must go to the dungeon to defeat the Boss in order to slow down the death of men who are being eaten by monsters on a day to day basis. 

 

As you enter a dungeon you will be met with random battles from monsters whom you must defeat. You will use a variety of powers to complete your goal and defeat the boss who is spawning all these monsters. The combat is all turned based. Each character has different combinations which can be modified in the main menu with /\, O and X. You can also collect elemental attacks which consist of Neutral, Fire, Earth, Water and Wind. You will also collect RW Disc which contain elemental powers depending on who is using them. While in battle you can also transform Neptune and other characters into CPU's. Neptune transforms into Purple Heart and her strength increases throughout the rest of the battle.

 

Outside of battle each characters has different abilities such as smashing through walls or finding treasures in dungeons. After completing a dungeon you will get the chance to go outside and purchase supplies and proceed to the next dungeon. If you haven't caught on, that's basically all you do in this game. Proceed from one dungeon to the next. The story is told via character art so not much will be shown in terms of background on the world or setting. If you've played Evolution Worlds on Dreamcast/Gamecube or Mega Man Legends on Playstation, Hyperdimension Neptunia features similar gameplay style. HN does give users the ability to upload any image from the PS3 Album into the game. You can upload images into the power ups or on Neptune's custom. You can get creative from here on out as to what you want to load.

 

Besides the dungeons, there's not much in terms of exploration. You can explore the world map via menus in a click and point fashion to select shops and dungeons. There are plenty of missions for you to enjoy and depending on the grade and time you finish your quest, you can post it online and see how you rank up against the world.

The story is quite interesting but may put off some players as it may seem a bit cheesy. While the game uses computer terms like RW Disc's, CPU, etc. it's all based on consoles as the main character is fighting in the console wars and the world below is known as game industri. What's also lame is that once Neptune rediscovers her powers in battle there is no introduction and other characters don't question it. Neptune transforms and that's the end of it no questions asked.

 

If you love anime and the art then you will definitely love Hyperdimension Neptunia. It has that kinky anime feel where women have large breasts and wear short skirts to the point where you can see what type of underwear they wear. Of course the story is all explained in a 2D Slide show but when in battle and in dungeon free roam the characters still maintain their anime look. 

 

The soundtrack is another story tough. It may be fun to listen to, It does not capture the feel of Hyperdimension Neptunia. It sounds like something you might have heard back in the Sega Saturn days. Interesting fact. HN was suppose to be a title for one of Sega's consoles called the Neptune but because it was discarded the idea was trashed and it isn't until today that we are playing that very same game that we should have been playing a decade ago. The idea may have been brought back to life but I wish the soundtrack would have been updated. The voice over's are amazing though as they match each and every single characters personality. You can't just pick any random stranger and put them on a game, you have to carefully select each individual and make sure they fit the part properly. I am still disappointed in the American Release of Final Fantasy 7 Advent Children. But this isn't the story for HN. 

 

HN may be long but it's a game you play in short bursts as playing through dungeons all the time may cause severe head trauma from banging your head against the wall. The trophies are easy to acquire as all you have to do is play through most of the game to get through them. You can go back to dungeons and replay the area, collect treasure  or level up to defeat an even stronger enemy.

 

Closing Comments:

Hyperdimension Neptunia is a great anime based game but it's not the best game out there. If you're looking for an RPG to pass the time this is the newest and only one available. The story is decent, the battle system is very indepth and it will keep you entertained for a while. I just wish it offered better gameplay and exploration like Final Fantasy or other RPG's from the past instead of this dungeon system which is the reason why I gave my copy of Evolution World for the gamecube away. But with that said HN is definitely an interesting game and it is worth checking out. Breaking news, Watson has is now looking for investors to fund his company Skynet and plans to start working on a new assistant called the T1000 to help with everyday needs. If you want to invest please contact Watson.

Gameplay: Great Combat system but game falls short for dungeon exploration and no world exploration. 7/10

Graphics: Truly captures the anime style of Japan in both 3D and 2D. 7.5/10

Sound: Strange soundtrack but the voice overs more than make up for it. It's a shame it doesn't support custom soundtracks. 7/10

Story: Not the best story but it does sort of drive the game forward.7/10

LifeSpan: Decent amount of gametime with leaderboards if you want to be the best. 7/10

Total Score: 71/100

Super Monkey Ball 3D

A few screenshots for the upcoming Super Monkey Ball 3D.

Dungeons Wallpaper Donwload.

A Sinister Desktop is yours with Two New "Dungeons" Wallpapers

Ridgewood, NJ, February 23, 2011 – Kalypso is pleased to release two new special edition desktop wallpapers from Dungeons, their recently released strategy game, where it’s good to be evil!  In Dungeons, players are put in the role of a Dungeon Lord, an anti-hero bent on attracting adventurers to his diabolically crafted dungeons, only to capture them and steal their precious soul energy. The happier a hero is, the more soul energy he contains, and so it's in your best interest to keep those hapless heroes happy.  Dungeons is currently available in North American retail stores, and via digital download.

• Download the new wallpapers

Dungeons follows the misadventures of the foremost of all Dungeon Lords, who spends his time luring heroes into his labyrinthine creations with the promise of treasure and a good fight -- only to be trapped by his ingenious devices.

In Dungeons, our protagonist falls victim to a devious plot hatched by his vile, nasty and thoroughly vicious ex-girlfriend and finds himself at the bottom of the underworld hierarchy and the top of the dungeon pile. In his world, that is about as bad as it can get. Our lord must have his revenge, and make his way back down the dungeon levels to his rightful place -- but first he must deal with his new bosses, the three despicable Dungeon Lords who stand in his way.

At his disposal are his dim-witted goblin minions who dig tunnels and build rooms to lay out his lair and trap ever stronger and braver heroes who dare to enter, not forgetting to plot his revenge against his ex-girlfriend and his new bosses who think it’s great fun to bombard him with useless tasks. It goes without saying that a malicious and sneaky creature such as our Dungeon Lord has more than a few tricks up his sleeve. Revenge will be sweet indeed.

About The Kalypso Media Group

Founded in 2006 in Germany by industry veterans Simon Hellwig and Stefan Marcinek, Kalypso Media is a global, independent developer, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment software that employs nearly 100 video game industry experts world-wide.

Along with Headquarters in Worms, Germany, the company has offices in the United Kingdom and the United States.  Kalypso Media also enjoys very strong global digital distribution through its Kalypso Media Digital Ltd. subsidiary, and owns three development studios – Realmforge Studios GmbH, Gaming Minds Studios GmbH and Noumena Studios GmbH -- and works with multiple leading independent developers.

Kalypso Media recently released the critically acclaimed best-seller Tropico 3 for Xbox 360 and PC, DarkStar One – Broken Alliance for Xbox 360, Disciples III: Renaissance, Patrician IV: Conquest by Trade and Dungeons for Windows PC. Upcoming titles include The First Templar, Tropico 4 and Jagged Alliance: Back in Action. Further information about Kalypso Media is available at
http://www.kalypsomedia.com.

You can also look forward to the Dungeon Review which should go up within the following week. Dungeons is now available in Stores and on Steam.

New on Xbox Live Arcade

This weeks release on Xbox Live



Arcade Games:

• Bejeweled Blitz Live (800 MP)

Game Discounts:

• EndWar, Escalation (200 MP)
• Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, Chapter 2 (300 MP)
• Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, Co-op Collection (200 MP)
• Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, Co-op Collection 2 (200 MP)
• H.A.W.X., Air Supremacy (400 MP)
• H.A.W.X. 2, All-in-One Pack (400 MP)
• Splinter Cell, Chaos Theory (600 MP)
• Splinter Cell Conviction, Deniable Ops: Insurgency (400 MP)
• Splinter Cell Conviction, Outfit (200 MP)

Game Demos:

• Dragon Age II
• LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars 

Avatars:

• Homefront Collection

 Not much going on on Xbox Live but the game discounts seem to be a nice addition.

PSN Weekly releases.

Here are the new releases on PSN this week which released yesterday or 2 days ago depending on the country you're in.

LA Noire Cover revealed.

The Final Box Art has finally been announced.


LA Noire a title we have heard about since back in 2008, back then a PS3 exclusive now a PS3 and Xbox 360 title, has the final art revealed.





LA Noire will release on May 19 and puts players into the dark world of a 1947 Los Angeles in a dark underground world.

Source

Yakuza 4 Demo now available.

The Yakuza 4 Demo is now available for download on the PSN. If you wish to download the Demo just head on over to the PSN to download and enjoy until Yakuza 4 releases. Yakuza 3 is also available on PlayStation 3.

Possible New PS3 SKU on the way.

And hack proof too.


Sony went Ape S#!+ when they found out their PS3 console had a security breach. First it was the PSJB which allows you to play games via your Hard Drive and the second when Geo Hotz release a custom firmware for the console which does not allow you to play games via Hard Drive or any sort of piracy. Sony is now in a legal battle with Geo Hotz which if you ask me is dumb because all this is doing is bringing negative publicity to the company. But all that aside, there is a rumor that a new PS3 SKU is on the way.

The new SKU is suppose to have new hardware which makes it difficult for hackers to hack. The console is suppose to cost 186.99 pounds or $199 possibly $250 with the new price cuts coming possibly this summer. On top of that it will also come with a 300GB Hard Drive although last time I checked those don't exist. But of course this is only a rumor so it's not to be taken seriously until Sony announces something.

Source

Razer Brings Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound to Xbox Gaming

RAZER CHIMAERA WIRELESS GAMING HEADSET ROARS TO LIFE IN SURROUND SOUND.




Carlsbad, Calif. – February 22, 2011 – Boom.  That’s the sound of gamers being blown away as Razer, the world’s leading high-end precision gaming brand unleashes their wireless Razer Chimaera 5.1 Surround Sound and Razer Chimaera Stereo Gaming Headsets for Xbox 360®.  Be it the explosions and gunfire in Halo, the high octane release of nitro in Need for Speed, or grooving beats on DJ Hero, the Razer Chimaera kicks Xbox gaming immersion into overdrive.

“Putting on this headset may cause serious jaw-dropping aural intensity,” said Robert “RazerGuy” Krakoff, President Razer USA.  “With the Razer Chimaera 5.1, we’re giving every gamer the opportunity to experience surround sound in complete wireless freedom.  We drew from our expertise in PC gaming audio and worked with Dolby® to develop a headset that lets you hear everything with absolute clarity to pinpoint enemy locations, prevent backstabs, and just take your gaming enjoyment further.  I recommend using it with the Razer Onza controller for serious Xbox ownage.”

Both 5.1 and Stereo editions of the Razer Chimaera are wireless so you can hear the destruction of your opponents anywhere, be it on the couch or on the way to the fridge to get a refreshment.  With up to 8 hours battery life on the 5.1 edition and 12 on the Stereo edition, as well as extra large circumaural ear cups, your Xbox gaming marathons just got longer, without worry and in maximum comfort.  When it’s time to charge, just hang the headset onto the base station that doubles as the audio processing unit, letting you customize the game audio to your absolute satisfaction.

You and three teammates can also locally connect 4 Razer base stations for a crystal clear, lag-free, and dedicated voice channel for laughing together at the opposing team as you crush them mercilessly.

And as the icing on the cake, both editions of the Razer Chimaera are PC compatible, so you can have just as much audio fun on the PC as you will on the Xbox.

About the Razer Chimaera 5.1 Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox 360
The Razer Chimaera 5.1 gives discerning gamers a tournament-grade surround sound audio solution for the most immersive and competitive Xbox gaming edge.  With massive 50mm speakers in each sound-isolating ear cup, interference-free wireless up to 8 hours, flexible boom mic and a base station with audio processing and local team-communication capabilities, your perfect Xbox gaming experience is now complete.

Price: US $199.99 / EU €199.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – April 2011
Worldwide – April 2011

Product Features:

• 5.1 Channel Dolby® surround sound
• 5.8 GHz interference-free wireless headset (up to 33ft / 10m receiving range)
• Docking base station for audio processing, recharging and advanced controls
• Connect up to 4 base stations for dedicated lag-free team communications
• Adjustable circumaural ear cups for optimal sound isolation and comfort
• Independent audio and microphone controls on the ear cups
• Flexible microphone boom and detachable Xbox LIVE communication cable
• Up to 8 hours rechargeable battery life
• Digital optical connection for superior sound quality
• PC compatible*

*RCA to 3.5mm cable required and sold separately

This seems like a hefty price to pay but you can't argue with the technology. If anything I'd say spend your money on a surround sound. You can find one for $200 unless this is truly what you're looking for.

Total War: Shogun 2 Demo now available.

Play the Demo before the release.


Total War: Shogun 2 Demo is now available on Steam and can be downloaded via the following link.

You can download the demo here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/34330/

If you don't have steam, you can download the program and create a free account or you can do a quick google search to find a host for the Demo.

Total War: Shogun 2 pushes forward the hugely successful Total War series by perfecting the features from previous games such as full 3D land and naval battles and a detailed campaign map, whilst adding an exciting new multiplayer experience. Total War: Shogun 2 will be available for PC on March 15, 2011.

Battlefield 3 trailer

W sieci pojawił się pierwszy prawdziwy trailer Battlefield 3 :)



Pewnie wszystko troszkę podrendereowane na potrzeby filmiku, ale i tak.. wygląda to wszystko pięknie :)

PSP2 (NGP) Line up.

Expect a hefty list of titles to be available when the Handheld console launches.


Sony has shown what it can do with their latest Handheld called the NGP or PSP2 as other people are calling it. The NGP display's next gen graphics similar to those of the PS3 so with an update we might see some PS3 games being capable of being played on the NGP. Of course it will be a while before anything like that is introduced but in the meantime you can enjoy these titles that will be available at the end of the year when the NGP launches.

• Uncharted
• Resistance
• Killzone
• Call of Duty
• Monster Hunter Portable 3
• LittleBigPlanet
• WipEout
• Dynasty Warriors
• Reality Fighters
• Gravity Daze
• Little Deviants
• Smart As
• Broken
• Hot Shots Golf

 No Price has been announced but having a price tag higher than $250 is practically Sony trying to jump off the plane without a parachute. A $199 price point and the console might be a success. February is coming to a close and it seems that the year just started a couple of weeks ago so we should be seeing the NGP in no time.

Source

Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel Edition Announced.

You must have Balls of Steel to hang with Duke Nukem.


Just announced available only through amazon and gamestop is the Duke Nukem Balls of Steel Edition which includes a statue of Duke Nukem, Some Pictures, Casino Chips, Playing Cards, Game, Stickers, Comic Book, 100 Page Art Book and Dice.

All of this for $99.99. Duke Nukem: Forever will release on May 3, 2011 after 12 years of development.

Bioshock Movie to Scary for anyone to fund.

Will we ever see a movie based on Bioshock when no one wants to fund it?


For years we have wanted to see a Bioshock movie get made but according to director Verbinski no one wants to fund the move because it is too scary.

"I couldn't really get past anybody that would spend the money that it would take to do it and keep an R rating," Verbinski told film site Comingsoon.net.

"Alternately, I wasn't really interested in pursuing a PG-13 version. Because the R rating is inherent. Little Sisters and injections and the whole thing. I just wanted to really, really make it a movie where, four days later, you're still shivering and going, "Jesus Christ!"... It's a movie that has to be really, really scary, but you also have to create a whole underwater world, so the pricetag is high. We just didn't have any takers on an R-rated movie with that pricetag."

Verbinski is no longer on the project and the movie is still under production. I do agree with Verbinski that the movie needs to be R-rated and scary because of all the violence in the game. Specially if the main character is to Harvest a little sister.

Verbinski also added that Bioshock would make a great 3D movie which seems to be a popular format for movies now.

"[Bioshock] would be a great movie to do in 3D. I'd like to go into that world wearing a pair of glasses. I think in general, gaming is perfect for 3D. Anything where you're the protagonist. The kid in 'The Shining' on the big wheel, going around corridors. That's what 3D is perfect for. To make people feel on-edge."

So far no release date or cast has been announced for Bioshock but if studios get their way we might see a PG13 adaptation if what Verbinski said is true.

Source

Hyperdimension Neptunia Unboxing.

Look forward to the review very soon.


Hyperdimension Neptunia released on the 15th and for the price of a regular game you get an Artbook as a bonus and a premium edition Package art. First of all if you do not know the US version of the game is published by NIS America and not Tecmo like some game store's are stating. Also the premium edition packing is not really a premium edition but just a big cardboard box that houses the art book and game.



It looks like an over sized game box or a box that game store's display to advertise the game's release. If you want to display the box somewhere in your house or use it as a poster you have the option to do so. It is a nice front cover if you're into anime. Inside the box you will find 2 things: An Art Book and the game.







That Art Book is hard cover which is great. The inside has character details, art and sketches of the game.









I was also able to get my hands on some HDN playing cards. The numbers are just like normal playing cards but the J,Q, K and Jokers all have HPN characters from the game. The back of the cards also have HPN characters. These don't come with the game and art book although it should.



Hyperdimension Neptunia is now available for the PS3.

Atari Promises to fix TDU2 bugs.

I don't have Test Drive Unlimited 2 because I've yet to still beat part 1 but for those of you that have TDU2 and are having problmes, Atari has stated that the Eden Games will fix the problem.

“We are aware of the problems that some of our players are encountering. The development team is working against the clock to rectify the situation and provide a great experience. Thanks for your patience and we will continue to update the process.”

Source