My most anticipated games of 2017 and beyond, so far.

 The new generation of consoles are now coming into their own, none of them had bad launch lineups by any means, but now we are getting into the meat and potatoes and PC just keeps on motoring. There also is a new console to look forward to for gaming of course being the Nintendo Switch coming this March, just around the corner really.
 That got me to thinking what games am I really looking forward to having the chance to play in 2017 and beyond, I was actually surprised. When I started to write them out there was a lot more then I actually realised had me really excited, granted some have no confirmed dates yet.

 So here are just a few of the games I am looking forward too in the next 12-30 months or so as always they are in no particular order. I will do my best to list all platforms and dates as of now the games will be releasing on. Do not expect to see any Call of Duty's, Battlefields or shooters really though I am looking forward to one. Outside of one of these games NONE are pre-orders my feelings on pre-orders are well documented, just DON'T do it.

Lets get this started with a game I have already played some of all be it in Japanese and that of course is Persona 5 and this is the exception to the rule  above.
 If there is one thing you should know about me by now is I am a huge RPG fan, RPG/JRPG/ARPG to SRPG's I love RPG's. From Final Fantasy Tactics and The Banner Saga, to Mass Effect and Persona.
 Persona is a series that well to be honest has never let me down I have played all of them, other then they often get delayed, but that has always proven to be a blessing. I can not think of a game series I have played in my 57 yrs on earth that has never let me down  the Persona series is the exception to the rule along with Mass Effect in so many ways. (PS4, PS3 April 4th/2017)

Hellblade what can I say I adore Ninja Theory, Heavenly Sword was the first game I bought for my PS3 and is still among my top 10 games. This game however has a serious message as it deals with Mental Illness as viewed through the eyes of a woman suffering from visions of monsters, demons and decent into darkness. You see her Psychotic world through the eyes of  (Senua) and her manifestations of her own reality and mind. I jumped out of my seat when this first appeared at Sony's 2013 E3 press conference for the debut of the PS4, as I thought it was Heavenly Sword 2, I cried. (PS4/PC sometime 2017)

 Next up I will keep it brief,  open world, interesting Female Protagonist, deep crafting system, and, oh yeah and Giant sometimes extremely violent Robot Dinosaurs, do I really need to say more. The minute this appeared on the screen at E3 it was a WTF moment for a lot of people, it was amazing, of course I am talking about Horizon: Zero Dawn oh my god I can not wait for this, the world looks amazing all I can say. (PS4 exclusive, Feb 28th/2017)

Up next a game I know very little about and to be honest have fears it may never be released, given 3 Microsoft Exclusives have been cancelled, despite being featured at E3 prominently. I fear for the game because we have heard literally nothing, and see nothing of the game since that E3 showing in 2014. Of course that is the Microsoft Exclusive Crackdown 3 despite a impressive showing at E3 showing, plus another at Gamescom 2015 we have heard nothing really. Given other games that where also given a lot of stage time like Fable, and Scalebound (both since cancelled) we know nothing (Xbox one/PC sometime 2017????)

Okay I will probably get some heat for this next one as people either love the stuff the studio does or hates it, and that is Quantic Dreams. Few Game Developers have a more polarizing leader then Quantic Dreams, he is the target of both love and Ridicule by many. I actually really like the games the studio makes, unlike many I actually really like Beyond: Two Souls, I almost have the platinum actually I liked it that much. And while it is easy to make fun of David Cages on-stage presence he has a vision and passion to all he does be it you love or hate it. Detroit: Become Human however I have heard nothing but good things and genuine excitement for the game, you can count me among those. (PS4 exclusive, scheduled 2017 sometime) I would not be surprised this one is delayed.

That brings me to the one shooter type game that I am actually genuinely excited and fearful for at the same time that is Ghost Recon:Wildlands I used to be really into shooters, CoD, Battlefield, Gears of war owned them all, so why am I fearful.
 I can sum that fear up in one word and you know what one that is developed/published by (UBISOFT) you had to know that one was coming. Ubisoft has a knack of showing one thing and what you actually get is a Ugly, buggy mess of a game. From Assassins Creed games, to Watch Dogs this company just has a habit of misrepresenting their games unlike anyone else.
 Still this game has my interest, and that is also unusual because it has a lot of MP aspects to it and I don't like gaming online. (Xbox One/PS4/PC March 7th/2017)

 Next is a PC exclusive and is the 2nd instalment in this magical world and I am talking about Divinity: Original Sin II any game that is going to carry on my story in this world I am in. It has no confirmed date that I have seen so far but is scheduled for 2017. Another PC exclusive is A hat in Time what can I say count me in "is a colorful 3D platformer inspired by classic games in the genre, such as Banjo-Kazooie and Super Mario 64" this too has no confirmed release date other then 2017.

This is a change for me as I have not looked forward to anything Nintendo for pretty much a decade however I have to say a couple I really am. The new Shin Megami Tensei game for the switch has my interest but as of yet has not date. That said there will be a new SMT game coming out this year for the 3DS and most will be getting that for sure if a fan of SMT like me.
 Also while it just looks like a re-make of the original with a cpl of tweaks Splatoon 2 looks like a ton of fun and may convince me to buy a Switch, sorry not sold on it as a few of my posts show. If Nintendo can mange to entice smaller Indie developers, that can take advantage of things the Switch offers, then the list grows even more.


Mass Effect Andromeda is not on here on purpose, sorry I am still not sold on it, though I know at some point I will buy it on PC.

That's about it, I need to see more of God Of War, it also is most likely a Holiday 2018 game, The Last of US 2 well that could turn out to be a PS5 game.

So those are just a few of the games I am looking forward to there tons I am overlooking I am sure, how about you, what games can't you just cant wait to play, share them in the comments below.

As always Play nice with each other.

David

FF XV delay, No mans sky.

Well it has been awhile since I last wrote anything here, health issues had me down and well the summer gaming wise is boring for the most part, I did miss fall 2015 sorry.

SO what is on my mind this summer

Well summer is starting to wind down, bigger games are coming out, though bigger is a relative term really, we have No mans Sky, Final Fantasy XV delay. Two games I think suffer from the same affliction in the long wrong, let me explain. No mans sky debuted in 2012/13 IIRC and Sony put it front of stage/show over the coming years. despite having a studio head clearly un-comfortable on stage and in public they kept pushing him out. That in and of itself does not make a bad game in consumers minds, many people have issues with crowds, hell just watch anime :)

This is where we get to the similarity's between it and Final Fantasy XV ( FF XV ) and No Mans Sky and wait for it,,,,,,,,,, another game I feel the same way. What games could they be other then the first two I mentioned, for one of them I will speak from experience yet another Sony hyped game " DESTINY sorry no way you can say it matched most gamer's expectations. "

See where this is going, I will just direct quote a post I made on Google + to save typing and time.

My thoughts on the Final Fantasy XV delay

I have to be honest I could care a less, yes I love FF but gave up on this game what feels like a decade ago. I truly am to the point if it never came out I would not shed a tear, don't get me wrong. I hope it sells tens of millions and revitalises the series I just don't see that coming to pass. I have written on my blog a few times my thoughts of Square Enix today compared to say 15 years ago.


There was a time I saw Squaresoft on a box it was a must buy, could care a less what the game was about it is Square so it is gonna be good. Those days passed long ago, ATLUS now occupy's that place in my wallet. I also do not see it getting dis-logged anytime soon based on Squares previous works.

Yes XIV is a fun game I have it but it is subscriber based so they have to keep putting out to keep gamer's paying the fees. The problem I have with Square is they constantly announce new projects like FF VII remake yet have never finished Kingdom Hearts 3. They keep making announcements, movies, anime's and so on yet to finish what they start.

 Who the hell asked for a movie based on FF XV, anyone.......???? didn't think so not to mention it is animated, time that could have been spent releasing games they announced over a decade ago. So am I concerned or upset NO I am not as I gave up caring about this game a decade ago damn near, along with some of their other " Announcements." < end the quote >

 Now we enter the third game I feel is going to suffer from the same malaise from the public, that is get ready for it..... " The Last Guardian." Yet another game announced long before it should have ever been, hyped to the heavens and can never meet those expectations. Josh asked what I wanted for a present this birthday I said nothing, I will let ya know, months past and he asked me again and he mentioned he had ordered No Mans Sky and was going to for me, I said no. Not because I knew it would be a bad game or a great game, but because there was no way it could match the hype.


 This also holds true for those FF XV fans and those who are interested in the Last Guardian, it could be 7 yrs ago GOTY candidate or winner. Today there is NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO possible way it could ever match the vision gamer's have in their minds to it's final incarnation. It I believe like No Mans Sky and what will eventually be FF XV will be a disappointment to all those who pre-order it, because it does not match our vision.

The difference is Hello Games had no past track record with us, what was Team ICO is long since gone but Square Enix we know very well, a legacy of disappointment the past 10+ years. So am I upset 15 is delayed hell no, I will pick it up 3 yrs from now like " The Last Guardian " from the bargain bin like most over hyped games.

Till next time remember it's only a game, play nice with each other.

David

My PS4 sales numbers

Sony tomorrow Oct 29th/2015 if I recall correctly is scheduled to release their earnings report. and it could be interesting to read. Development and production costs I have to believe have been fully recovered for the PS4, hence we got the price cut earlier this month. Some are thinking 25 Million PS4 units SOLD not shipped I think it maybe higher, like 26 Million sold. PS4 is a massive success by any consoles sales standards. It is out pacing everything on the market and even the Legendary PS2 ( The best selling Game console in History ) I do not expect that to change.

 While it is true that Sony does not have that blockbuster Holiday exclusive this holiday season they have a solid lineup. If they could have had Uncharted 4: A Thief's End I am sure they would have pressured Naughty Dog to do it, to their credit they did not. They realize it is a legendary franchise and this is probably its last hurrah, so they let Naughty Dog do their thing. Despite not having a Halo Killer, a Tomb Raider rival to offer this holiday the console still sells exceedingly well, even on Xbox home turf.

 What scares me is how poorly Sony's other divisions maybe doing, for a few years now Playstation has been the only profitable thing in their stable. You can not maintain a company of Sony's size with only 1 division firing on all cylinders, it is just not sustainable for any organization.

Some have said Sony will at some point spin off Playstation and make it a separate company I don't see it happening anytime soon. Perhaps in the future say 5 yrs from now they make make it a separate Publicly traded company, with Sony being the major shareholder. I just do not see why they would do it unless they shed a lot of divisions under their umbrella and Sony is Playstation. I am sure that day will come if Sony's other divisions continue to bleed money as they have been the past number of years.

 This maybe one earnings report even those who are not into business in any form wants to read in detail.

 I will leave you as always " Play nice with each other " :)

David

Sony and name changing

Okay I came across this very disheartening post on gamespot website about the ability to change our usernames. I am sorry Yoshida-san this is not acceptable, and just reinforces the idea even Sony does not know how their infrastructure works on PSN. You need to address this and fast it is becoming the number 1 issue fans like me have of Playstation, we don't care how just make it so #1

My thoughts on Sony's press conference at PGW

I am not going to list every game that Sony showed as that would be a 10 page blog post, and nobody wants that, even me. I had to re-watch the press conference as twitch was acting up for me yesterday, so thought it only fair I re-watch it on  Sony Playstation Youtube page. 

 So where to start there was Soooooooooooo many games, most were exclusive to PS4 or Playstation VR, or at the least console first on PS4. Unless I counted wrong there was like 25 games showcased at the event, an amount to rival their E3 2015 show.

Things I did not like, yes I don't drool everything Playstation:)

I am going to start with something Sony had no control over, and that was the audience, my lord I thought I was at a funeral. I don't know what they put in the water there in France, but it had to be Valium, or Xanax or something. Holy crap they were a quiet bunch, it was like they all wished they were anywhere but at this event, it was damn near depressing.  I can only imagine how most of the presenters felt having to go up on that stage, it could not have been easy.

Now onto things Sony could control, stop showcasing that hideous Black Ops III PS4 console, it is freaking ugly as sin. I would not even have that thing in my house if Yoshida-san himself gave me one for free, I am serious.

I understand Street Fighter V is a console exclusive, I get it but it did not deserve almost 15 minutes of the show. What was with that awkward exchange between Harada-san and the S.F guys it was cringe worthy to watch.  If ya want to have him on stage then bring him out alone to talk Tekken 7, was no need for what transpired. I get the tie in he is a character in Street Fighter 5, but was no real need to have him here.

Now onto things I liked, loved, drooled over.

I am not going to go into great detail on a lot of the games, and there was a lot, you can watch the media briefing for that. They started the show with Black Ops III and Star Wars battlefront, no surprise there, Sony is really tied into those two games. They also are coming out soon so was smart they showcased them right from the get go, that Darth Vader PS4 looks awesome I might add.

 The the whole Street fighter 5/ Tekken debacle as I refer to it as, you can see my feelings above so not going to dwell on it in any detail. Battleborn I am not into MOBA like games so it held no interest me for myself, though can see some really digging it. Vector again a game I could care a less about as I am not Rythm game fan, if I was I would own Persona Dancing all night long before Vector. A lingering theme of the show was most are 2016 games and beyond, that will come as no surprise to anyone.  Sony has been pretty up front that this holiday season is kind sparse other than Third party partnerships.

Then we come to No Man's Sky, and I have a prediction on this one, it was announced it is a June 2016 release. I predict that at E3 2016 it comes out with Playstation VR after the conference. I would not even be surprised if ya could buy Playstation VR get the game for free or at the least exclusive content.

Matterfall House Marque's new ip intrigued me, would be awesome if it had VR support but who knows time will tell. After was the new Ratchet and Clank PS4 exclusive game March 2016, I am a Jak and Daxter fan so was not interested myself. I think I refilled my Sake cup during it to be honest that is how little it interested me.

Horizon; Zero Dawn ohhhhhhhhhhhhh how do I love thee let me count the ways!!! I adore this game from what has been shown so far this year, I can not wait for this and may have to buy a PS4 for it I am that stoked. The more I see the more I am just fascinated by this world Guerrilla games has created, I can see this being Sony's next huge franchise. 

 Let's not forget Uncharted is done as we know it, and this as the next big franchise only makes sense, if this has VR support holy crap, that could be a Console and VR seller right there. The only thing that would be right up there on my hype tree is if Hellblade got announced, with VR support, but I don't expect that till 2017.

Bloodborne DLC add on/expansion that was known for ages, Driveclub adding Bikes that was interesting. The game has such a notorious past due to its massive delay, and launch day issues, but glad it is not abandoned. Sony stuck with it and the studio, the game runs excellent now. The fact they are going to expand on the base of the game is welcome news. Was also nice they mentioned it is standalone or who can buy it as an expansion if you own DriveClub. The cherry on top was that it was available to buy right after the show on the Playstation store, that I did not see coming at all.

 I will skip Gravity Rush 2 because I am still pissed another Vita title has migrated to PS4 thats all I will say.

Uncharted 4 saw the MP and a Beta will be playable starting Dec 4-13 2015, they say March release date I will believe it when I see it.

Dreams I have to be honest looks cool, it is imaginative and Media Molecule has a lot of Imagination, but it is not a game for me.

Then we got into Playstation VR and boy we got quite a lot of info, surprised most was not saved for PSX in December. Rigs I think sony is banking on becoming MLG Esport game time will tell though but I liked what I saw.

Until Dawn Rush of Blood okay this I probably should have put up top under things I hated, this game makes no sense as named. Colin Moriarty from kindafunnygames said exactly what I was thinking when watching this. The game has NOTHING to do with Until Dawn, why tarnish that games reputation with that title. It just makes no logical sense to me whatsoever but you know they will stick with the name, it has cache. 

Crytek showed their new game ( I'll be honest I thought they went under ) and ceased to exist as a studio. It is a VR game so who knows where it goes, VR is still unproven as to being widely adopted my most gamers. I will say this though a demo called " The Walk " looked bloody awesome and showcased the highlights of VR very well.

 I also caught a glimpse in a sizzle reel that Final Fantasy XIV: HeavensWard will be Playstation VR compatible. 

One of the loudest applause was for Polyphony logo as people new we were going to see Gran Turismo.though it is not called 7. Gran Turismo Sport is the new title, and will have a early Beta out in early 2016,. it also no surprise really will have VR support when the full game is out, be you like racing games or not they are huge in Europe.

Now we come to a game that has me really excited, and divides a lot of the Playstation community, more so the Studio. Detroit: Become Human is Quantic Dreams new game and I have to say I had never heard of Kara before. Now hate on David cage all ya like, I like their games, from heavy rain up to Beyond 2 Souls, yes I liked B2S.  They showed actual in engine game capture, so I am assuming the game is pretty far along in development. We did not get a release date I assume Holiday 2016 at the very earliest, but time will tell.

All in all I enjoyed the show and thought Sony showcased one of their strengths, Games, Games and more games. Also they showcased their tight relationship with both their First party studios, Third Party and Indies. All in all even with all the awkward moments of presenters, and the comatose audience I thought the show was well done. Myself I can not wait till PSX in San Francisco come Dec and what will be showcased there.

I will leave you as always Play nice with each other

David

Havok and Microsoft buying them out, my thoughts on the issue

So Microsoft just announced they have bought the rights/company Havok for those who do not know what is Havok I shall tell you. Havok is a tool for 3D physics engines, animations suite, and destructible environments. It has other uses in Modelling and the like but is best known to most of us being used in Video Games. Microsoft also paid a pretty penny for it, $500 or so Million USD's, that's right just over half a billion  $$$$USD they paid. It has a long and proud past. Games even 10+ yrs old have used the HAVOK tool chest to make some of the most beloved games.

 Halo has Havok in it, as have many, many other back to the PS2 era even featured it's logo in the opening credits. Call of Duty, Destiny, Assasins Creed to name a few all use assets from what Intel created and called Havok. Impressive pedigree to say the least, and the list goes on even back to the Gamecube era.
 So why the uproar that Microsoft bought the entity from Intel, I for one can not figure out why other then some people just hate the free market and or Microsoft I get it.. While it seems Microsoft is taking the brunt of this hate because " Now they will hog it, and no games can use it except Xbox games. " That is the most ridiculous shite I have ever read next to Minecraft is dead.

 A little basic logic people if you please, nobody and I mean no matter how rich spends 1/2 a Billion dollars on something just to not make money of it. In the case of Minecraft Microsoft paid a Billion plus to acquire it and the same diatribe went around back then. You don't pay a Billion USD's plus for a property just to not be able to make money off it, it is poor business and if there's one thing Microsoft understands is Business. 
 Consumer privacy and rights that's another topic but they know the market very well thank you. I would go so far as to say giving customers what they ask for is not a strong suit of theirs, unless dragged Kicking and Screaming. When it comes to dollars and making a return on their investment they do that extremely well, exactly as they should they are a business for F's sake.

 Do I see the logic behind the purchase somewhat it is a widely used Physics engine in a ton of popular games. Minecraft I totally understood it is a license to print money, just search facebook or youtube, etc and use the term Minecraft you will be drowned. There is over a 100,000,00 pages, channels etc dedicated to it on Youtube alone some with millions of pageviews, I can see why they bought it I had the dollars I would have too, it is a no lose purchase. 

 Now is Havok the only option to Sony, Nintendo, small Indie developers.... hell no, or whoever is buggered, not it is not there is an alternative in Nvidia's PhysX, I am sure there is others I just know PhysX. So for Microsoft to be buttheads with their ownership of Havok is not in their best interest, it would be shooting themselves in the foot. Much like with their acquisition of Mojang and the Minecraft IP, this purchase also will not dictate Microsoft only devices, they have said as much themselves.

 This is why I think the vitriol on twitter, and reddit etc is just baseless bullcrap, written by people who just hate X whatever X maybe, you can fill in the X for yourselves. You do not spend in the past year ( it ain't over yet ) $1.5+ Billion USD' making acquisitions to lock it off from the rest of the industry, it's just bad management and fiscal planning to do it.

So just stifle your ranting and raving, most of all save the rest of us having to read your vitriol and look at the big picture and think before you type, HAVOK is going nowhere it will be used by all.


As always I will sign-off saying Be nice to each other

David

If you wish to follow me on Twitter the link is at the top of the page as well as Facebook, have a great weekend all

Why you should not buy the New PS4 1tb model

So why am I saying do not buy the new 1tb PS4, after all Playstation when I game on console is my prefered platform the reason is simple.  The current 1tb models including the now BO3 bundle is the older version of the PS4, it sounds like a jet engine, gets hot as hades, and it is a electricity pig, like the original Xbox ones.

 The newer 500gb bundles are the revised PS4 model, it is 28% quieter, it runs much cooler and uses less electricity, that is why I do not recommend buying the new 1tb bundles at present. Upgrading the hard-drive in a PS4 is so simple that my neighbours 12 yr old did with no help from his parents.
 Your best option since most of us own a Laptop or PC is to re-purpose the default drive in the 500gb model and buy yourself a good Hybrid or regular HDD. Even my PS3 the first thing I did when I got my slim was rip out the HDD and install a 1TB hybrid drive, (Hybrid is a mix of physical platters and onboard Sdram.) The thing is quite fast compared to the default drive it shipped with and i just used it in my PC.

 If you wish to see a video on how to tell the difference in the models here is a Video for you

 So as the old saying goes, being forewarned is being forearmed, you won't regret the advice I assure you.


As always be nice to each other!!!!

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New Hitman delayed till march

Who did not see this one coming, I think it is a wise move regardless the reasons they quoted for its delay. Trying to go up against the November lineup of games is suicide IMHO, Halo 5, Fallout 4 the new CoD even though it is exclusive the new Tomb raider game all will have traction through the holidays. I fully expect to hear of more games being delayed for the very same reasons, it just makes good business sense.

Hitman website

Announcement trailer
Hitman Announcement trailer

I have to admit the game looks damn sweet, and hopefully a good reboot of the series as Square did with Tomb Raider.

As always be nice to each other

David
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My thoughts on E3 2015 Part one

My thoughts and remarks on E3 2015

So another E3 has come and gone and we are left with our own thoughts on what we got offered at this years show, and there is a lot to digest. It is for that reason I have not given my thoughts on the conferences, I really needed to go back and rewatch a few of them, some not so much. So who won E3 before I give my take on it some context is needed as to what each brought to the table. I am not going to cover every conference that was showcased, else this be a 200 page post, nor post every game. That need should you desire it can be easily served by just re-watching the conferences online yourself.

Microsoft's presentation.

 I have to say Microsoft did a really good.... lets call it what it was great job this year, I was impressed by it for many reasons. The pacing was fantastic it was game after game after game, it struck me during it can this really be the same company that laid a egg on the exact same stage 2 years earlier? Phil Spencer has really made his mark on the Xbox division, it's primary focus and it is the better for it, like I said hard to believe it's the same company. 

 What surprised me also was that Bonnie Ross opened the show, I know she is head of 343 but seriously, I would have thought they would have buried her in the background at the show. They try that at Gamescom and if she is not almost booed off the stage I will be surprised, E3 is not a show for consumers. Gamescom is more consumer/gamer focused, open to the public far more than E3. How she did not apologize for the massive screw-up that was the Halo MCC is beyond me, ya screw up that bad you need to apologize. 

 Another thing again like previous years what the hell is with the cars dropping from the ceiling, get rid of it pleaseeeeeeee!!!!. It serves no purpose, cost a fortune, a person does not buy a racing game because a car descends from the sky. A racing fan is going to buy forza well because they are a racing fan, a Pinto could drop from the ceiling and they would still buy the game. I will mention only briefly that creepy " World premiere" etc etc Voice over guy that preceded the games showing on screen, lose it. I also disliked the ambiguity that was displayed, is it console exclusive, is it also on PC, or just PC feature or game it was hard to tell. Console debut ( Sony was guilty of the same thing) is it on other consoles, on PC or handheld, I did not like that at all?

 Now for the good things, some downplayed it but I thought it was great, The " Rare collection" 30 classic xbox and xbox 360 games in one collection for $30.00 USD . I realize it is not for everyone but as a gamer in his late 50's it was great to see them bring them to a new generation of players. Tomb Raider looked bloody awesome, hate all ya want that it is first on Xbox but ya have to admit it looked awesome. I will wait like I did for the last Tomb raider game and get it on PC, but it looked great on Xbox One.  I also loved the fact that console gamers would get the chance to experience Fallout 4 with the same mods those on PC can use, yes it will come to PS4 at some point but was announced here.

 Cuphead a brand new console exclusive IP if I recall correctly is out next year, I have no idea what the game is about but damn it looked bloody brilliant. it was also a bit of a theme at their conference this year, a focus on Indie games unlike years past. ReCore was a game that just floored me, not sure I will buy a Xbox One to play it but was great to see it get a showcase being a unproven IP.  You can say they are just taking a page from "Sony's playbook" (one people ridicule them for by the way) and who cares, it is good for everyone, Microsoft sees that Indies are a big thing and was a welcome change in direction. 

 Phil spencer was true to his word that Windows 10 will be a integral part of Microsoft's new focus on gaming and Xbox integration, unlike it's TV, TV, TV., Sports, entertainment TV focus of 2 years ago.

 So thats about it for Microsoft, no way I could cover everything and keep the article reasonable, to summarize they did a great job and left me impressed.

Sony's presentation

 Sony this year was the year of heavy-hitters, and they started right out of the gate with it, I was bloody impressed however like I did with Microsoft I will start with the things I disliked about Sony's conference, fair is fair after all, so lets get this started with a disclaimer. 
 Outside of my PC, Playstation is my prefered gaming platform, I own the other platforms but those two are my prefered go-to platforms. . Much like at Microsoft's conference the ambiguity of the wording at the end of videos or the start. What the hell does Console premier mean???? seriously is it on xbox, is it on Vita, how about PC or 3ds? what the hell is that Console premiere bullshit supposed to mean? Only Nintendo did not use it of the 3 main showcases and that's only because all games on their platform are exclusive really being First party games. I am going to give to a example of what I mean bet ya thought Firewatch was exclusive to Playstation guess what it ain't, hell it even has a Linux version for PC not to mention Mac and Windows, but you would never know it from that trailer.

 That Fiasco that was Shenmue III kickstarter thing what the hell are you thinking it undermines the whole purpose of kickstarter. Yu Suzuki could have easily just sent out a tweet and it would have been covered to death, there was no need for that crap at a press conference,  You showcase what you are doing and have coming not promote something you may invest in. We now know they are invested in it) it is not " Their own thing" as Adam stated, flagrant lie if you ask me. It is a gaming showcase not the home shopping network, the game would be funded if you had never said a single word and you know it. Not to mention the fact the originals were not even playstation games they were on Dreamcast and the second also later on Xbox, sorry that just pissed me off that part of the show.

  TV, TV, TV did you not learn a single thing from Microsoft's implosion that was E3 2013... Nothing? Nobody cares about bloody TV, or any affiliations your building, GAMES, GAMES GAMES GAMES. You piledrived that into people's heads in 2013 and ripped Microsoft a new one, and rightfully so. Yet here we are 2 yrs in and you're doing the exact same bloody thing, STOP IT, same with PS now as it sits is of no interest to most people, I am not going to pay to play the games I already own. 
 The complete and utter lack of respect for the PS Vita floored me, I know it is not selling as expected, but that's their own fault. They marketed it poorly, over hyped it then a just over a yr later trash it saying " No 1st party games anymore." The disrespect that device got was quite frankly shocking, I know there is only so much time, but seriously you could not spare 10 mins for it, and lose the bloody tv talk?

 Now for the good stuff, I am going to start off with the one game that gave me Gamescom 2014 shivers (Hellblade, I love you Ninja Theory) and it is not what you think, it was Horizon; Zero Dawn. A brand new game from the same studio best known for the Killzone series so there's a lot of pedigree there and I was gobsmacked, while watching it unfold. Now for the 2 elephants in the room and you know what they are Final Fantasy VII remake not a remaster, and of course The Last Guardian, I still get goosebumps just typing this thinking of that night.

 Final Fantasy VII Remake a game Square Enix said they would never do, they had some conditions it could come to pass but basically where not even possible. You can not create lighting in the same bottle twice if that was their criteria. My how things have changed for Sony to have them debut this game at their conference over all others is a Massive win, remember Square Enix also hosted their own conference the next day. 
 Some people of course were shocked it was not a Playstation exclusive... really you know how much it would cost for that. I know the PS4 is doing damn well, but even the likes of a Microsoft could not afford to have that game as a console exclusive, it has that type of status.
 Going into that night people knew Square Enix had their own the next day and when that appeared on the screen during Sony's I actually broke out in tears. Not because it is a game I hold in the same reverence as others do, I actually think VIII is a better game and XII I did love Crisis Core though, but I cried tears of joy for all the people I know who have only dreamed of this. We have since learned there will be some liberties taken with the original games framework, but so long as the story is intact or closes issues, bring it on.

 The Last Guardian what can be said that has not been said a million times before, I will say it now I called the game Vaporware until that night, just view my google + comments over the past months.  No gameplay, no mention it is vaporware and be done with it, then that magical night happened I got what I wanted. I had a timeframe, I had in engine capture are real gameplay, not a sizzle reel as it is called in the industry. Sony gets a big thumbs up from me because they did not have to do this, they really didn't most had written this game off 3+ yrs ago not like it needed it to boost sales. Playstation 4 is dominating the market and selling faster then any console in History IIRC, last i looked it has over 70% market share in parts of continental Europe etc. So it is not that they had to make this a reality they are doing fine without it, so to me this was for the gamers. 

 They had showed it ages ago and we never forgot, but it appeared they had, and when they kept seeing us always ask about it they made the decision. We need to make this a reality no matter what it takes we owe it to the fans, and Sony has a STNG moment, "Make it so #1, Engage" and we saw the results. They are to be commended for this because it is not like they had to, they would have got a free pass if they had said look sorry we just can make it how we envisioned, it is cancelled, our eyes where bigger then our abilities.

To wrap up part one I will quick hit a few items, Destiny.... meh Landing COD as the new home is a major coup, I laughed my butt off watching Twitter and Facebook explode in the morning after the Microsoft conference, " WTF where is Call of Duty " so that was a a Kodak moment for Sony being the new home of COD. Dreams looked quirky as Media Molecule games usually are, not my cup of tea but was a new IP from a established studio with a great track record. I also felt so bad for Devolver Digital having to try follow Final Fantasy VII remake, I doubt few even saw that montage.

So thats it for part 1 I will post part two sometime over the weekend or early next week where I will get into Nintendo, and a synopsis of the other main players at the show. till then as I always do..

Be nice to each other, it's only a game 

Why no E3 reaction

I explained why on my Google + page which I post to daily you can read why Here
I will before week's end post my thoughts on who won etc, you maybe surprised, actually I know you will.

WATCH THE SONY PRESSER LIVE FROM E3

Watch it in Theatres in the USA and tickets are free like last year Canada live,

This needs to happen

If your going to Tweet Harada do it once only, he just will ignore if you if you spam him, he wants unique user tweets, not 1000 from one person.
We are so close to reaching the goal.

How is Sony doing it?

How is Sony doing it, one mans opinion!

So as most know Sony continues to lead the Console sales worldwide, despite the best efforts of the other console manufacturers. So just how is it they are doing it and why it is so remarkable, to be honest it goes against logic.

So let me explain my thinking on the matter, by all means feel free to share your own as well, comments are always welcome so long as they are respectful. The latest VGchartZ data  shows PS4 well quite frankly dwarfing all other consoles, keep in mind Sony announces sold not Shipped numbers, BIG Difference. I actually put the Xbox One around 14-16 million but these are the reported numbers, so we will go off the chart as they are documented.

As of March 28th 2015

  Lets try put those into perspective, Both PS4 and Xbox One (XB1) came out pretty much the same time, Wii U almost 18 months before either PS4 or Xbox One. (XB1) Quite frankly Playstation 4 is wiping the floor with all of them, and this is why it is astounding. Yes Xbox One won April 2015 but in the USA only and that's after another timed price cut/Bundled games addition. Worldwide it is getting trounced by the PS4, and it barely surpasses previous gen console sales.

Lets look at each console separately, Wii U, XB1 and PS4, one can easily make the argument other than PC, no platform has more Exclusives than Wii U. Yet both the XB1 and PS4 surpassed it's lifetime sales within a year in the case of the PS4.
 That is in spite of the Wii U having just in the past year, A new Super Smash Brothers, a New Mario Kart, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Bayonetta 2 which was exclusive to the Wii U or 3DS. So that leaves us with the PS4 and the XB1 to dissect if you will, bear with me.

By the way no device of the 3 console manufacturers has more Announced and confirmed Exclusives then PS Vita. The list is simply to long if I was to list them also, it is rather impressive, but YMMV of course.

What makes console gaming as far as preference is primarily for most gamers Console /Brand Exclusives. Example of them for those curious is things like Halo, Forza which is Xbox only, in Playstations case think Uncharted. These are games you can get no place else other then their respective platforms devices, it excludes all other platforms for the most part 99% of the time. There are the exceptions of course Ryse was promoted as a Xbox One thing yet was also on PC as was Titanfall, but watch E3 that year you would never have known it.

 So lets get into the meat of this piece " How is Sony doing it " you see the numbers that are confirmed sold not shipped.

First up the Xbox One

When it comes to Triple AAA, console exclusives between PS4, and the Xb1, they both have released about the same Exclusives. To name a few I will list them since the console launched I can remember we are talking First games, or true exclusive.

1. Forza Horizon 
2. Forza Motorsport 5
3. Project Spark
4. Titanfall
5. Ryse (Son of Rome)
6. Halo (The Master Chief Collection)
7. Sunset Overdrive.

 Those are ones I remember some did come to PC later, but you would never know it at the time. I could throw in Timed exclusives to Microsoft products like Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare but choose to exclude it with others.

 These are games that where when announced where exclusive to the Xbox One though came to other platforms. Halo the MCC even now over 6 months later is Broken for a lot of users ( I do fear for 343's future they mess up Halo 5)

Now onto Playstation 4

Again these are games exclusive to the PS4, Destiny maps etc are excluded for obvious reasons.

1. Knack
2. Infamous Second Son
3. The Order 1886
4. Little Big Planet 3
5. Bloodborne.
6. Drive Club
7. Killzone Shadowfall

These are games I recall, there is some that are not exclusive to just XB1 or PS4, etc like Counterspy is also on PS3, Vita etc. Remember I am also listing games you would have thought at the time where exclusive to that console. I Am excluding games like Ratchet and Clank, Abzu, No Man's sky as they are either not released yet, or will also be on PC.

 Knack was a disaster, The Order 1886 was underwhelming for most give the price and the hype ( same goes for Destiny albeit not exclusive in all honesty. ) Infamous Second Son was by Infamous standards sub-par, the add-on DLC Infamous First Light was a better game then Infamous Second Son was, and it was DLC. Driveclub was a total disaster when it was released an that's after a year's delay, and a new studio

So this is where the amazing factor comes in, Sony has managed to dominate the Current Gen console market on the backs of 3rd party, Multiplat games, lackluster mostly first party games,  and Indies for the most part. Something the Playstation consoles are criticized for by other gamers you know who you are IndieStation detractors, yes Indies have helped make the PS4, yet now all the others are trying to court them. 

 So given that PS4's heavy hitters are nowhere to be seen till 2016 at the earliest ( Uncharted 4, news of a New TLOU game, A new Infamous game, not to mention Persona 5, Everyone's gone to the Rapture, or anything in the Tales OF series.) Add in the fact they have already released theirs, all you may see is a updated release, and a lot of Xbox one's supposed console sellers have released. Things are only going to get worse for the Xbox One and Wii U, and those are just games I can think of off the top of my head.

So again I ask how the hell are they doing it given all that data it should be PS4 would be the laggard  of the group yet it continually dominates. Microsoft and Nintendo best figure out how they are real fast or they will be a forgotten console before long.

In closing I am sure I have omitted some games here or there, and had some typo's I am still getting used to this blogging thing, I believe my arguments and points stand up regardless.

As always be Nice to Each Other

David

My thoughts on all the delayed games

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know 2015 is becoming 2014 again, The year of Hurry up and wait. As some may or maynot know they have just announced Tom Clancy's: The Division will not be coming till Spring 2016, see what I mean. Just for FYI here is a list of some of the games that have been delayed till 2016, and I am sure I am forgetting a bunch, I just choose the heavy hitters IMHO your list may differ and that's cool.

1. Ratchet and Clank: both the Game and the Movie.
2. Tom Clancy's: The Division. #Colin was right :)
3. Uncharted 4 (you just know Sony is pissed)
4. Dead Island 2
5. The new Zelda game on Wii U
6. Quantum Break (Xbox One exclusive)
7. The Walking Dead (Season 3)

Those are just a few off the top of my head, and you have to admit there is some big games in that list. Here is my thoughts on the delays, I will expand on just a cpl of them.

The Division: In all honesty I think this is a good thing, it allows more time to refine the gameplay, frame rate and or graphics. The main reason I think it is a good thing is it removes it from the Crazy Holiday season where most the massive regulars reside. Call of Duty, Fifa 16, NHL 16, NBA-2K16, Halo 5, Assassins Creed, Possible new Destiny DLC/Expansion announcement, 

 You get the picture it is one damn crowded place to be, and easy to get lost in the shuffle of them. I admit some of them should take at least a year or more off, or better yet just fade gracefully to black, but that's me

Uncharted 4: I can not imagine what scrambling is going on in side SCEE Worldwide, this is their marquee franchise, and a system seller. After that in-depth look at live gameplay at the Playstation Experience it pretty much put in most Sony/Uncharted fans minds this is coming Holiday 2015. 

 They are shooting now for Spring 2016 but I have my doubts, Naughty Dog has a history of doing multiple delays on releases. Now that has always payed off in the past, IIRC The Last of Us had its release date pushed back at least 3 times from when it was first announced.

Quantum Break: I don't know what to say when it comes to this one, we have seen almost nothing of it since it first appeared. That is what scares a lot of people this game was a premier game when the Xbox One was first revealed back in May 2013, it featured prominently there and at E3 2013. I admit they never said it would be a launch title, but how it was featured most figured at it would be out at least in 2015. We have heard pretty much Zilch out of Quantic Dream or Microsoft when it comes to it's current state.

 I know Microsoft has stated they will be premiering a New IP at E3 2016, I don't think it is this, my money is on Joe Montana being at the press conference and Joe Montana Football gets a release date.

 New Zelda on Wii U:
 I am not going to speak my thoughts on The new Zelda game for Wii U beying delayed, as it is not unusual for Nintendo to push a game back. In their defence though I will say this, when they do release a game even going back to the 80's the damn thing runs perfect 99% of the time.

 I believe this is because they made games back in the cartridge game era with no internet, your game had to work PERIOD. There is somethings that infuriate people when it comes to Nintendo, but one thing they can rarely if ever be chastised for is releasing FUBARED games.

In closing some games most are thinking are coming out this year, but I just don't see it.

No Mans Sky: Sorry the team is just to small and has to ambitious a vision for this to be out this holiday season they will show something more of the game though. I know Sony is hoping and Praying, and I hope I am wrong, I really do. But given the scope of the game, the size of the team I see spring 2016 written all over this.

Kingdom Hearts 3: It is Square Enix honestly this is released before 2017 I will be shocked, used to be a no brainer to buy a game from them, nowadays most times I avoid them like the plaque. I will just leave it at that and you have no idea how sad it makes me to have to say that.

The Last Guardian: My feelings are well known when it comes to this game on both Twitter and Google +. Until i see in engine gameplay not a cgi cutscene, and defined release date and listing on retailers this game is VAPOURWARE, nough said.

Quantum Break: I think ya get the gist of why I don't see it above.

I also am still not convinced Halo 5 drops this year either given how FUBAR'ED HALO THE MCC WAS AND STILL IS FOR MANY. I'll be honest I fear for those at 343 studios I really do, they screw this Halo game up I can see them closing. I mean they where trusted with the pinnacle of the Xbox Exclusives, Xbox Live and Xbox was created because of Halo, Xbox was built on Halo.
 No way Microsoft will tolerate another fiasco like the MCC was and still is for some, I can see this getting delayed till early like Jan 2016. I know they are promoting it madly and bundles and all, but believe me if there is a single light out of place Microsoft will delay the release.

So there you have it I have rambled enough, those are my thoughts on the delays and some prognostications on others. Feel free to leave your thoughts just remember!!!

As always be nice to each other

David

My picks from the PSN Flash sale

So out of the blue we have another Flash Sale on PSN as is often the case there are some gems in it. Now that Lizard Squad has given us gamers a reprieve ( I suspect they will return).  Here are some of my suggestions for you to consider covering PS4/PS3/PS Vita listed by device, these deals run through Monday May 18th/2015 at 10am Pacific.
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PS4:
 Flower: This game is so relaxing and beautiful to look at, if you enjoyed Journey then you will Flower as well. Here is the kicker though that makes it even better buy at $1.40Cdn, buy it on any Playstation device you get the other 2 free, buy it for PS4 you get to also download it to your Vita and PS3. How can ya go wrong that is less then 50 cents a version, and the game/music are wonderful.

Trials Fusion: If you like to punish yourself this is the game for you, yet is so damn addictive. I have played earlier Trials games in the series on PS3 and man are they well you'll see, $4.80Cdn or your regional equivalent.

The Wolf Among Us: This one I will admit I only played the demo first chapter so going off my friends and neighbours on this one. Myself I am not much a fan of the art style Telltale likes to use not the episodic nature they use for all their games. That said more then one person I know had this as one of their GOTY candidates, again $4.75Cdn or your regional equivalent. As a side note you can just as easily get The Walking dead Season 1 complete also by Telltale and the same price applies.

PS3:
 Where to start there is so many to choose from so I will just list my picks in a list

• Borderlands 1 and or 2 or both if you prefer
• The Complete Mass Effect Trilogy, thats right all 3 games
• Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, if you like RPGs just buy it you wont be disappointed.
• Battlefield 3 and or Battlefield Bad Company 2: Most likely those who love Battlefield already own these but what the heck.
• Ducktales Remastered HD: Okay if ya have kids this is a no brainer, come on It's Huey, Dewey, and Louie whats not to love.

PS Vita/TV:

 Freedom Wars: Was my game of the year on Vita in 2014 I tell ya that much, and it is Playstation TV compatible. If you like Monster Hunter you will Love Freedom Wars, just beware it can get quite punishing near the end.

Soul Sacrifice Delta: Arguably the best fighting game on the Vita, that is just my opinion though.

The Walking Dead Season 1: My feelings aside the fact is the game is a masterpiece of storytelling. Also it feels right at home on the Vita, I would argue it looks better on it then the PS3, due to their engine but that's me.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite: I played this back in 2009 on my PSP which I still own by the way, and what can one say Monster Hunter series to many reigns supreme. If you love lomg games upto 500+ hrs more armor and things to upgrade, customize, and level up then this is your baby. it is cross buy Vita and PSP.

 There are tons of other deals in it depending on your prefered taste of course, the are just a few odf my suggestions to consider.

As Always be nice to each other.
David

How Witcher 3 Lets You Make Witcher 2 Decisions (And What They Mean)

Massive Playstation Flash Sale

Man ooh man has Sony pulled out the stops for a flash sale. Borderlands 1 or 2 for under $5, hell even freedom wars on the vita is Under $5 Hit the Playstation store this is for North america, not sure if the other regions are also having one

E3 Show times list is complete

So there is no Surprise Sony's conference will be after Microsofts this year again, with Microsoft saying they will be showing a New IP. I truly have no idea what Sony is going to counter with this E3 all their heavy hitters are delayed till 2016. My thoughts on that can be found Here It will be interesting to hear what others have to say on the matter.
Game Informer has updated their list. including the change in Square Enix conference so they don't go head to head with Nintendo. It is going to be a interesting week for sure, as Bethesda will be doing a conference which they rarely do (FALLOUT 4 ) please????? Also there is a 3hr or something long show dedicated to nothing but PC gaming, that is a must watch for me as well as the console makers ones.
Also just in case you missed it and what most expect Square Enix to show at their new time, check out Playstation Universe thoughts on it
As always be nice to each other.

New update on Destiny 1.2.0 patch

So the patch is coming today, and they have outlined what it includes. I highly suggest all destiny players read it and I mean all of it as it has 2 parts, There is some advice given by Bungie regarding Legendary Engrams, fixes that will interest most of us players. There will be another update dropping the Afternoon of May 19th 2015 when House of Wolves go live.read all the details and changes on the Bungie website

Koei Tecmo Re-vamps Deception IV: Blood Ties

I have to admit I am a huge fan of Japanese game developers, especially JRPG's YMMV of course but don't mistake it for Bayonetta she still reigns supreme. The game releases here in the west on July 14th 2015, as seems the norm now a days, it has DLC, and preorder bonuses. I never recommend pre-ordering anything myself, you just are opening yourself to disappointment if it ships busted. I will say this it is great they are releasing it on all 3 Playstation devices.
View it on Koei Techmo channel