Cinematics coming from Square Enix is still quite immpressive

As much as all the confusion towards Final Fantasy XIII-2 or even the current status of the series, Square Enix still proves that they can still produce amazing CG videos. They just released a new trailer and it's a perfect example if what I'm talking about.

I was a fan of the Final Fantasy series back in the day but when they started releasing games such as Final Fantasy X-2, Final Fantasy XII and their latest entry Final Fantasy XIII, well let's just say I lost hope of ever getting hyped for a Final Fantasy game. This sequel to the linear Final Fantasy XIII is said to be the game that the first one should have been. Will this game be a better game as the first? it might come out that way since what was missing in the first is now present(towns, shops, exploration in general).

If you want a clear idea on what's going on check out the story trailer, but I think you'll even more confused.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 is only months away. The game will be out in Japan on December 15, while the US version will be out on January 31 2012 for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

Let the flailing begin (LoZ Skyward Sword)

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is finally here! Dammit, now I'm torn. I just got a new console and now I have Skyward Sword on the Wii. WHICH CONSOLE DO I GIVE MORE ATTENTION TO?!

I'm a cheap bastard so I just got the game. The golden Wiimote looked like butt anyway but since I don't have a Wii Motion Plus to call my own yet I asked to borrow one from my cousins since they got the black Wii bundled with Wii Sports Resort that came with 2 motion plus..es. Since you can't play Skyward Sword without a Motion Plus and me spending most of my money on Ziggy (my PS3), getting my own would have to wait.

Wasn't able to really play the game yet. I just popped it in the Wii and see if it would work. I watched the intro and flailed the curson on screen a bit then left for work. Maybe I'll make an impressions post once I sink my teeth into the game but for the meantime I can say that I am super stoked to play this because Skyward Sword is serious business.

The only reason why Minecon happened

The reason behind Minecon was a very simple and somewhat a bit of a shallow thing. Aside from it happening on the day of Minecrafts official full version launch. Notch wanted it to be a bit more special.

The only real reason as to why Minecon happened was because Notch wanted to go on a stage infront of a crown and press a button (in this case it was a Minecraft switch) that officially releases the game. That's about it. Sure Minecraft is a pretty cool game and all. With it's sandbox style world and giving you the ability to create what ever the hell you want. The first thing that came to my mind when I first heard about Minecon was "lol". But hey, atleast someone got a marriage proposal out of it.

Doesn't Notch look like Al, owner of Al's Toy Barn, from Toy Story 2?

Playstation 3 version of Skyrim having framerate drops, leaving it unplayable

Skyrim is such an amazing game that we forget who made it. Bethesda has  always been known for a game developer to have tons of glitches and issues that leaves the game close to unplayable on a day one release. It's inevitable with Bethesda games. Remember when you first played Fallout 3? or even Fallout: New Vegas?! Not the smoothest I bet. Well as much as everybody loving the latest Elder Scrolls, the Playstation 3 version of Skyrim is showing some unplayable framerate drops and freezes after the 25 hour mark.

I'm currently playing Skyrim on my Xbox 360 and while I do experience some framerate drops and crashes, the Playstation 3 is experiencing it to a point where it can be unbearable. Arlie is playing the game on the Playstation 3 and is experiencing these broken issues first hand, and we are both midway into the game.

Why only now?

Why was this not addressed on release? well because it only occurs when you're somewhat midway into the game. The problem  could be coming from two sources: The size of each save file or The required installation in your Playstation system. In regards to the save files, we noticed that as you progress into the game, your file size get's bigger and bigger. This is seen in both the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

The starting save file during the start of the game starts at a whopping 2mb, that's already big for a save file. Both Arlie and I are past the 60 hour mark and our latest save files are currently at 9mb each save. NINE. I usually have around 5 saves in a game like this, so with all the autosaves and manuals save I have, my saves in total is around 81mb. This could be the source of the frame rate drops, especially the horrible ones experienced on the Playstation 3. Here's an example of what Playstation 3 owners are experiencing.

That's unplayable for me. Another possible reason for these frame drops is the installation done on your PS3. Arlie tried re-installing and noticed improvements by doing this, but after a few hours of playing the issue starts to surface yet again. Another remedy that might help is deactivating the auto saves in the game. By default, the game auto saves each time you travel, rest, and hit the menu screen after 30 minutes(can be specified). Turning it off and reducing the file size might help with the frame drop issues.

Here's another example of the horrible lag in the Playstation 3. Arlie recorded the video himself.

Playstation 3 isn't the way to go when thinking about playing Skyrim... for now. Your best bet will be on the PC if your PC can handle it. The 360 is the next best thing but still has those Frame rate drops and freezes, but is rare not compared to the PS3. The Xbox 360 version also has that installation bug that gives low resolution textures if you install the game in your HDD. Best way around that one is to not install it at all(thank god it's an option).

Is there a patch coming? yes. Bethesda has announced that the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 1.2 patch have been submitted for certification and will be up a week after thanksgiving, meaning the patch is still a week away. Hopefully this patch covers all this issues that prevent us from enjoying this awesome game. Any PS3 owners experiencing this too?

Max Payne 3 Special Edition announced

 

Rockstar Games just announced the contents of their Special Edition for Max Payne 3. It will be priced at $99.99 in the US and can be pre-purchased only from November 21 to January 15.

No word yet if this Special Edition will be accessible outside the US, but since the Special Edition is only for pre-purchase, chances are slim. Sad I know, contents are pretty sweet too if you're into the whole collecting video game statues and all.

The Special Edition will include:

• A Copy of Max Payne 3
• 10" tall Collectible Max Payne Statue created in a collaboration between TriForce and Rockstar Games.
• Series of game-inspired Original Still Life Art Prints that depict some of Max Payne's inner demons and vices.
• Copper and brass-plated iron, bullet-shaped Bullet Keychain featuring a screw-off back.
• Classic Multiplayer Character Pack of eight playable multiplayer characters for Max Payne 3 Multiplayer, including fan favorites  from the original Max Payne and Max Payne 2 like Max Payne from Max Payne 2, Mona Sax and Vladimir Lem.
• Disorderly Conduct Multiplayer Weapons Pack for Max Payne 3 Multiplayer that includes the Hammerhead Auto Shotgun, 69 Grenade Launcher and Molotov Cocktail.
• Max Payne 3 Official Soundtrack featuring the game's instrumental score.

A decent package for those hardcore fans. Max Payne 3 will be out next year on March for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

[Source: Gematsu]