13
Apr
2009
Top 5 Games That Need to be Announced
I know everyone is excited about the games that are slated for release this year, and looking forward to the developers showing them off at E3. Let me name a couple: Halo ODST, Uncharted 2, Mass Effect 2, and Bioshock 2. But enough about these games, let’s talk about the ones that the developers haven’t talked about yet. What are the Top 5 titles that NEED to be talked about, and need to be announced, because we know that they’re in the works:
5) Warhawk PS3 Sequel – Everyone knows that it is in the works, there was even mention of the sequel being set in outer space. But besides that and some prerendered sketches, what is known about it? Nothing! Warhawk is and still remains one of the most popular online games on the PS3, for a game that’s nearly as old as the console itself, it has a dedicated fanbase to say the least.
4) Black 2 – Before you judge me, play the first game! This is a rarity that I will actually admit that EA did a really good job with this game. That’s true in regards to everything except the marketing of it. This was one of the best FPS singleplayer experiences out last generation, yet there wasn’t a lot of publicity behind it, so it slipped between the cracks of the media. However, if they were able to create fully destructible environments, and retain very fun gameplay in a lastgen title, I fully expect them to give this title a graphics overhaul to even try to give Modern Warfare 2 a run for their money. Look for this title!
3) Killer Instinct 360 – We’ve been waiting… and waiting… and waiting. It seems like it’s been 3 years now that there have been rumors in the works about this game. But the fact is that this title is as important to the Xbox franchise as Tekken was for the Playstation brand. Rare needs to follow through and answer the calls of their fans that are demanding the release of this fighter. I fully expect Killer Instinct to at least be on par with SFIV in the graphics and gameplay department. That’s not asking for too much, is it?
2) Team ICO Game - This has been going on for too long. We know that something is in the works, but everyone has remained silent about it. Shadows of the Colossus was one of the best games last generation along with ICO, and they have had this “new project” in the works since. However no one can tell you any information about what it is or when it will be released. There have even been rumors regarding PS Home Xi and how it is related to the release of this new game. (These are all vicious lies) ICO just needs to announce something soon, and E3 sounds like the perfect venue.
1) Metal Gear Solid 5 – Sorry 360 fans, this one’s going to be a PS3 exclusive. MGS4 was exclusive and took potshots at the 360’s DVD9 format in the game, so that almost guarantees that this will remain on the PS3 only. For everyone that sat through the 10 hours (or more…) of cinematics in MGS4, it is obvious that the franchise can’t just end on that note. The rumor mill has been even talking about Raiden being the playable character in the next title. That would be a nice throwback to the days of MGS2. I’m not saying that this is going to be another system seller, because I believe that the days of games holding that much influence over the market are over, but if there is a teaser for this game at E3 as I have heard rumors of, then it should blow anything else that we’ve seen so far out of the water.
What are your thoughts, opinions? What should have made the list and didn’t? Leave a comment and let me know!
6
Apr
2009
No More Excuses: XBox 360’s Lack of Browser
Xbox Live is touted as the premiere online experience on consoles, and understandably so. This service has had a year headstart on both the Nintendo Wii and Sony Playstation 3. They offer services that are unparalleled by either of their competitors, thus are able to charge a premium for access to such exclusive offerings. However, despite all of this, there is still one key essential that the XBox Live Experience is missing: a browser!
One would think that it would be easy to implement Microsoft’s proprietary browser (IE) onto their own company’s console. The architecture is even similar to a standard windows based PC, so… What is the holdup? Especially since both the PS3, and the “kid friendly” Wii have a browser, why wouldn’t this be offered on the 360? There are a couple of different theories as to why this is:
1) Offering a browser on the console would make the system more susceptible to piracy and homebrews.
- This argument is absurd, because the 360 is already the most pirated console of this generation. Hackers have already found out how to easily break into the system and bypass the lack of browser. They’re only hurting the people who own their console and are “playing by the rules”.
2) Offering unrestricted internet access from the console would allow their users to browse offensive or pornographic websites, and this could potentially damage the reputation of Microsoft as a company?
- Once again, this argument is ridiculous. The Nintendo Wii offers internet!!! If anyone has to worry about offending their target audience it would be them, as they are perceived to be the most family friendly of all of the consoles.
The only reason that would remotely make sense would be that Microsoft doesn’t want their hardware to be infiltrated by viruses. Since the architecture is so similar to Windows, it would make sense that viruses would be able to seemingly make a pretty smooth transition onto the 360’s operating system. However, this is unproven and only speculation.
While the other two consoles are offering this very useful feature, (ability to watch Hulu.com, Youtube.com, etc) Microsoft, the first console to be released this generation is seemingly lagging behind. If the 360 didn’t implement a browser in their next season firmware update, I believe the entire world would be in shock. Microsoft, get your head out of the sand and listen to what your customers want. This would only give them more of a reason to be on your console for longer, and would transition the 360 to potentially be a better media center than the PS3.